Tom and Aish approached us in December 2022 having owned the van for a while and had already started elements of the build themselves. They had a clear vision of what they wanted but, having recently moved back to London, they lacked the space and time to bring it to life.

Missing the tranquillity of their previous life on a narrowboat, they wanted a campervan that could take them into the wilderness throughout the year for weeks at a time. It was important they could still work during these extended trips and they were also planning future long-term adventures through Europe. 

Design cues came from their previous life on the water. We wanted to keep things simple and natural with minimal use of plastic. The framing is all made from pine with thin tongue and groove infill panels. The bulkheads, worktops and pull-out bed are made from oak and the floor is cork. Using solid, natural materials means the surfaces can be easily cleaned, sanded or refinished, keeping the interior fresh for many years to come.

We decided not to install LPG and instead focus on a high-spec electrical system with large-capacity LiFePO4 lithium batteries. This allows for cooking with an induction hob or air fryer. The Bobil heating and hot water system uses diesel from the van’s own tank. Charging the batteries is possible from the engine, solar panels or 240v hook-up. Fully charged, the batteries should last for a 5-6 days stationary stay whilst cooking every day.

The most challenging request from Tom and Aish was for a built-in hot water shower. Fitting a separate bathroom was impractical as the van is only a MWB model so we settled on a shower tray built into the floor between the seats. The shower head, curtain and hose are stored in a low profile box that covers the tray when not in use but raises up to the ceiling to create a perfect little shower cubicle.