Gypsy Caravan

For my 50^th birthday I went on a solitary silent retreat. It was a turning point in my life and lasted 5 months longer than anticipated. I learnt more about myself and life than in the previous 50 years, but more than that, I realized how important it was to create a sacred, stress-free healing space to not be ‘alone’, but to be fully with my self.

As a younger man I was fascinated by the intelligent use of space in yacht design but struggle with seasickness. And then I discovered the world of tiny houses, Vardos, gypsy and sheep wagons. My first design here combines to my mind the most practical and intelligent elements of each. But as always we learn as we build and there are 2 different versions already on the drawing board.

Most of the structural timber is Spruce from Northern Europe, one of the lightest and most sustainable woods on the planet - Howard Hughes built the Spruce Goose, one of the biggest aircraft ever built, out of yes, you guessed it, spruce. It's been kiln dried to less than 5% moisture content. This means that it doesn't need a toxic preservative to protect it - there's nothing for mould or insects to eat.

I've also recycled a variety of timbers, given a second life to salvaged wood and pallets that traveled to South Africa from the Americas, Europe and Asia. Drawers are made of light waterproof ply, riveted together being too light for screws, and opening their full length on friction-less bearings.

The lifestyle I associate with this ‘bowtop gypsy caravan’ is one of mindful simplicity. Though there is provision for a small solar panel on an aluminium stalk attached to the trailer tow-hitch for charging a battery to pressurize a gas fired hot water geyser and run led lights / USB charger, the idea in this version is to keep it light and simple. There is a dehydrating compost toilet, a 2 plate gas stove, simple ice-box, water container and manual shower. The single bed slides out and converts into a large queen. It’s a completely off-grid, zero footprint, ecologically responsible design that will meet the exacting environmental impact standards. 

Although this trailer has an over-built galvanized chassis and axle with 14 inch wheels it weighs less than 750 kg and can therefore be towed by a light motor vehicle.

The trailer axle arrangement comes with 2 options – the axle above or below the springs. The difference in clearance is substantial and allows the trailer to easily negotiate uneven ground and get into those perfect getaway spaces, something normal caravans struggle to do.

Another feature on this design is that the 'cabin' can be taken off the trailer. The cabin has a built in chassis that caravans don’t have – if you remove the trailer from a normal caravan it will collapse. The trailer alone can then multi-task as a flat bed utility trailer.

Both the walls and ceiling are insulated and so far I've had no experience of condensation. Even within extremes of outside temperature, the inside climate remains comfortably stable, the top-hung window, stable door and canopy creating a protected and well ventilated space.

The caravan can be used to getaway from the stress of modern life, to chill with friends or follow you to work - I've used it as a mobile office. It’s an intriguing focal point or backdrop and attracts positive attention wherever it goes. It’s alternative but totally in tune with emerging consciousness and taste.