This is a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter that has been transformed into a mobile home. John, the owner and builder, completed the conversion over a period of 18 months. Afterward, he met Emily, and they decided to live together in the van. Several years later, the couple now specializes in building customized camper vans.
Even though this was their first project, it gained them recognition in the world of camper van design. What sets it apart is its unique and distinctive design. Let’s take a closer look.
Upon opening the sliding door, you’ll immediately notice that the living space, which used to be the cargo area, is separated from the driver’s cabin by a partition wall. This clever design choice helps create a homier atmosphere, as the driver’s cabin is hidden from view.
To ensure easy access to the driver’s seat during emergencies or inclement weather, John added a hatch door. Above it, there is a spacious headliner cabinet for storing larger items.
In terms of design, this tiny home exudes a cozy and inviting ambiance. The curved white walls that seamlessly blend into the ceiling, along with the aesthetic touches like the grey subway-tiled backsplash and the wooden accents paired with light green cabinetry, contribute to its overall charm.
The first section of the living space serves as a lounge/bedroom area and features an L-shaped couch. By extending a wooden frame from the couch, the couple can create a decently sized bedroom. Additionally, two windows on either side allow plenty of natural light to enter, while a skylight above provides better ventilation when opened.
It’s worth mentioning that all the windows and skylights in this van are equipped with black-out screens. Another essential feature is a mosquito net, which John and Emily have installed in the form of a curtain to keep unwanted insects out.
The couch is divided into two parts. One section conceals two spacious storage areas, while the other houses the power system of the van. This system includes a 2,500 W inverter, a 230 Ah Bosch battery, a battery-to-battery charger that allows charging while driving, and an MPPT controller connected to a 300 W solar panel on the roof.
If you browse through photos of the van’s interior, you won’t find a visible control panel for the electrical system. That’s because John and Emily have cleverly hidden it behind a picture frame. The control panel consists of a Webasto diesel heater controller, on/off switches for the fridge and water pump, an inverter controller, two USB outlets, and another controller for the battery-to-battery charger.
Moving on to the kitchen, it features a butcher block countertop with a flip-up extension, a two-burner stove, a farmhouse-style porcelain sink, and various storage options in the form of cabinets and drawers beneath the countertop. One of the cabinets houses a small Wreco fridge. Additionally, two charming overhead shelves are perfect for displaying candles, plants, and other decorative items.
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One of the most impressive features of this van can be found opposite the kitchen: a concealed television that can be revealed with the simple touch of a button. This 32-inch Smart TV is attached to a swivel mount, allowing it to be adjusted for optimal viewing from various locations within the vehicle. Additionally, it runs off the inverter and is highly energy efficient, meaning it can be left on without concern for draining the battery.
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Separated from the rear of the van by a partition wall, the kitchen leads to another noteworthy aspect of the vehicle. Behind the partition is a bedroom suitable for a single person, positioned higher up to accommodate a garage underneath. The bedroom includes a reading light and a generously sized skylight directly above the sleeping area, providing an ideal spot for stargazing during the night.
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Adjacent to the bedroom, a well-designed bathroom has been incorporated into the van. Despite its compact size, it offers enough space for a person to shower comfortably. The bathroom features PVC lining and a wet room vinyl floor, ensuring it is completely waterproof. Additionally, it includes a swiveling Thetford cassette toilet for convenience.
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An interesting detail of the bathroom is the presence of a traditional door, rather than a sliding one. This not only provides increased privacy but also creates a slightly cozier interior atmosphere when closed.
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The final section of the van is the garage, accessible through two rear doors. It is divided into two parts: a taller section on the left and a shorter but deeper section on the right. The left side can be utilized as a drying area for various items such as wetsuits, skis, and snowboards. On the other side, there is ample storage space provided by custom-made shelves and numerous crates. Within this storage area, the van is equipped with a Thermomate propane-powered heater, a propane canister, and a 70-liter Fiamma freshwater tank. Additionally, a small door has been incorporated to serve as an access point to the toilet, eliminating the need to remove it through the interior.
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Overall, this couple has created a unique layout that is both efficient and comfortable. The garage offers extensive storage space without encroaching on the living area. While some may find the interior slightly confined compared to traditional van layouts, the clear division of the space into four distinct areas gives the van the feel of a compact apartment.
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John and Emily are the founders of Jorvik Van Conversions, a company specializing in the creation of luxurious mobile homes. The van featured in this article, based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and VW Crafter, is just one example of their exceptional work.
In the world of tabloids, one can often find a variety of layouts that are strikingly similar to the design featured in this particular vehicle. Additionally, the “Sandy Van” serves as the flagship model for this company specializing in van conversions. However, it is worth noting that they also offer personalized conversions tailored to meet the specific requirements of their clientele. For further details regarding the company, its offerings, and additional services, interested individuals can visit the official website of Jorvik Van Conversions.