The reality of living in 160 sq.ft. Why would anyone choose this?
As seen on the online magazine Tiny House Blog.
The nostalgic Airstream still gets grins from the gold era of travelers who trekked in Bonnieville station wagons towing their “drag-alongs.” Today, this 1978 Airstream is the home, office and access to the great outdoors for an industrious 27-year old Santa Barbara-based architect.
Chances are good that your grandfather owned one of these ubiquitous travel trailers. Except for the iMac mounted on the wall and the hi-def printer in the drawer, they haven’t changed much in the past 75 years.
Airstream’s been around since 1936 when the smooth-skinned aluminum bodies rolled aerodynamically off the Chicago production line. They temporarily stopped production in 1938 when the new lightweight material was needed for World War II. Many are still on the road today.
“Ever since I was a kid building 7-story tree houses I’ve liked reusing old stuff and making it usable again,” says its owner Matthew Hofmann, owner and founder of Hofmann Architecture, who spent the past eight months restoring the 25-footer. “It’s not only beautiful, it’s also useful.” “I’m at a point in my life where I’m trying to live with less” says Hofmann, who parked the Airstream on a Montecito home site that burned down in the Tea Fire.
Two years ago I moved from a large house. Moving has a way of making you consider the value of possessions. I wondered, while looking at the massive truckload of things, how would I feel if this truck ran off a cliff and all was lost? My stuff was beginning to feel like a burden, like luggage. Things that I needed to take around with me wherever I went; a truckload sized ball and chain.
Here are a dozen real life reasons why living in 158 sq. ft. can be a very grand experience.
- Lower utility bills - serious sustainability
- Quicker to clean - 30 minutes tops
- Less maintenance - Say “goodbye” to the chimney sweeper, garage door repairman, and gardener
- A lot less clutter – I’ve reduced my paper use by 90%
- Better connected to my girlfriend – the small space encourages us to interact and work out our problems – we no longer have our “caves” or sides of the house to escape to.
- I’m taking more trips to the farmers market I’m purchasing more fresh fruits and vegetables. No excessive frig/freezer or pantry spaces stuffed with outdated food
- Discourages procrastination – harder to ignore need-to-do’s when they’re staring right at you)
- Less stuff gets lost - less places to hide, and when they do, they tend to surface a week later in a shirt pocket
- Impulse buys – The question when purchasing an item “can I afford it.” Has changed into “can I store it?”
- Fewer house guests – Thanksgiving is a great time to spend time with your family, and so much better enjoyed when they stay at hotels.
- Simplified entertainment technology – I sold and no longer own: A dvd player, audio receiver, 7 speaker surround sound, plasma tv, desktop PC, laptop computer, countless remote controls, wireless home speaker system, and portable radio. I then purchased: an IMac.
- I ended my dysfunctional relationship with Costco. – I realize now that I don’t really need a 5lb bag of peanuts or the treadmill that discourages me from ever leaving the confines of home. Though, I still enjoy accompanying a friend to the mega box store to try the free samples.
“I enjoy working with clients who are willing to step boldly into the future with gutsy audacity,” he says. “Events such as the Tea Fire remind us that life’s too short not to overstep the boundaries of the ordinary and dream big.” Matthew Hofmann is available to speak with to answer your questions and currently looking for new thoughtful and progressive architectural clients. Check out their website and blog at www.hofarc.com for more information.
Contact information:
Matthew Hofmann
Architect, LEED Accredited Professional
Hofmann Architecture
[email protected]
www.hofarc.com
805.281.2461
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You’ve taken my goal to a whole new level. Wow!
I dream of owning an Airstream (well maybe two - one quiet for me and the other one for my small children). Your interior is absolutely gorgeous.
It is quite expensive to ship one to New Zealand though. But I am researching it….
You have definately done the right thing in downsizing and decluttering your life.
V x
I love this idea and what you’ve done with it. I have always appreciated Airstreams. That’s not to say that this couldn’t be done with another brand shell, but Airstreams are made so well that many ancient ones are still around today, which makes them a great choice for a full-time residence/office. I just wish I could figure out where to put the family. sigh.
It’s just lovely. I am curious about your water use. Do you have tanks that you always use or does your semi-permanent spot have plumbing?
Both! I’m hooked up to a garden hose for daily water (ro filter for drinking.) Also hooked in to a septic tank. When I take it on trips, just fill up the freshwater tank.
Very inspiring.
Would living in an Airstream be feasable for two people?
Absolutely. I highly suggest you give it a go.
Matt,
I’m envious! Your Airstream is beautiful.
I’ve contemplated doing a similar project but have a few concerns. First, I have NO experience dealing with travel trailers other than looking them up every night on ebay. What was your greatest challenge on your project? My second concern is taking on a project that could potentially turn into a money pit. All said and done how much did it cost you? Finally, my skill set would be limited to demolition and odds and ends. Did you hire outsiders or do it all on your own?
P Colando,
Thanks for checking us out, and for the positive feedback.
Your desire to take on a similar project can very well be a great experience, you will learn a LOT. My greatest challenge was taking the time to learn an alternative way to typical installation, and doing the research to learn how to do something that I didn’t before know how to do. That and getting the wet dog smell out of the coach.
It may very well become a money pit, and depending on your budget, be very true to yourself regarding your goals and the time you have to invest in something like this. I was able to complete all the design and work on my own, without any outside help. I wanted the first Airstream restoration project to be solo so I could learn the entire process, and wrap my head around what it really takes. If you would like to talk more about working together on a restoration, please contact me. I’d be happy to speak with you.
I love it. But I have one burning question. Where do you sleep? Opposite the kitchen worktop? Does the seat pull out into a bed?
Yvette - You guessed correctly. I realize now that I don’t have any photos of the couch/ bed in it’s sleeping state. The unit has three stages of conversion: 1- The couch you see in the photos. 2- A twin bed for sleeping solo (easier to walk around the bed). 3- A full size pull out bed for two people.
congratulations. although the fires raging through my hometown over these past few years have been horrible. your trailer is absolutely beautiful — a stunning remodel. great for you.
The 30 minutes to clean might be one of my favorite parts! My boyfriend and I are in the process of buying a Spartan trailer to move into as well, and we are trying to decide…do we get a storage space for those things that we just can’t bare to get rid of, but don’t need in the trailer? Do you have extra storage somewhere?
Yes, extra storage is often necessary. Part of my business is restoring vintage Airstream trailers, I have many tools and supplies in a storage/ workshop. Of course, you may also need somewhere to keep your mountain bike, kayak, and snowboard!
I have to say, this has really got me thinking about doing this myself. Combining two projects- home renovation and vehicles- with added bonus of mobile zombie refuge- is making it irresistible.
Let me know when you would like to take on a vintage Airstream renovation. I’m always here to help.
Where do you keep your clothes? my husband and i have wanted to do this for a long time now, but that’s my only reservation. we love clothes :
Matthew
Great Job. I am just beginning a remodel on a 31′ 1985 Excella. Did you remove the vinyl clad aluminum on the inside or clean and prep it for paint?
I got into Airstream camping in 1979 with a 1979 Excella. I see that you have added the tile bath to the rear of your trailer. The frame during that time period has triangles cut out of it to reduce frame weight. There was a energy crisis at the time of manufacture in the late 70. You might want to check to see if you have that frame and if you do that the angle iron frame stiffeners have been installed I would hate you you to get the tail droop on your rig.
I have two water leaks that were undetected while the trailer was in storage so will be spending about 250 hours polishing the aluminum so I can then re-caulk the joints. I am starting the teardown this weekend.
You did a great job and hope to see more photos on the vintage Airstream site soon.
Wes Smith
um. hi. I’ve been dreaming of doing something like this for months. Thank you so much for the inspiration!
just found your site. some really inspiring and beautiful designs…..
david john
Hi Matthew,
Beautiful job!
How long did the renovation take you? Did you have concerns about weight when adding new cabinetry, tile, etc?
Michelle
The project took about 6months on a part time basis. Yes, installation methods and material selections were carefully considered with regards to total weight and distribution.
Will you marry me?
Mr. Hoffman,
Are most of the surfaces in your Airstream painted or are they factory surfaces? Also, where did you find the sliding tambour doors for your overhead cabinets?
As a retired wooden boat shipwright I think you’ve done some great Work!
John
The interiors are sanded, primed, and painted. Sliding tambour doors are all original - removed, reconditioned, and re-installed. The cabinetry itself was modified to clean up the lines/ make all unified.
What do you do about laundry services? Laundrymat? Can you get by with just once a week trip?
My husband and I own a 1959 Globetrotter that we are in the process of gutting and rebuilding for a camp trailer.
He gets home from Afghanistan in July and we are seriously considering getting a larger trailer to live in full time. Living in the Arizona desert has me seriously concerned about the AC… What do we look for?
You got it! I average once every week or two. Living in the desert full time, I would seriously consider a more insulated trailer than Airstream. Beautiful, yes, though it does not perform well in extreme temperatures. Possible, though not sustainable for extended periods of time.
Mr. Hofmann,
First, I have to say that this is absolutely beautiful. I’ve dabbled in interior designs in the past but even in such a small space, this is incredible.
Did you do all the cabinets yourself? They look amazing and fit perfectly. I was thinking of actually renovating one of these for personal use, since I like to travel, any tips?
Cabinets built first hand - ordered the cabinet faces online - installed using Hafele moovit drawer organizer systems.
Cool beans, mate, thanks.
http://www.granddaddy.co.za/sleep/airstream_rooftop_trailer_park/
I’ve always loved Airstreams. It’s been a dream of mine to journey here. It’s different from your simplistic, green idea, but it’s equally wonderful in my opinion. I just thought you should see it if you hadn’t yet. Happy traveling.
HI
Ok - I’m hooked - buying a 19′ shell from my neighbor - then paying him to retrofit it (will call on you if that doesn’t work out). How much (roughly) should I budget for interior? I’m cashing in a 401 K - planning on using $10-15K on this.
Costs can vary GREATLY depending on the level of renovation. You should be able to do it for this - It all depends on the labor costs.
Mr. Hofmann, thanks for sharing your experience. My family of 5 traveled for 6 weeks across the United States and back in a 37ft 5th wheel trailer. I loved every minute of it. I hated having to come back to our 3569 sq.ft. home. I’m looking forward to retiring and doing it all over again.
I have a great ’62 Airstream Safari and would love more than to live in it, however, having three kids, it proves to be a little small (22′). My dream after my kids are grown is to convert it into a living studio and travel the country, working out of it. The baby is not even 2, so it gives me a few years to enjoy it with them, then take the time to do a nice job restoring it. All the things that Mr. Hofmann says about it are the things that I love… the simplicity of having 4 plates, 4 cups, three pots, etc… the things that are essential. Life is always easy in the Airstream and the kids never ask for TV or Video Games! It is all about quality life. This article is quite the inspiration! Thanks!
Brilliant !!
Quick question. Where did you get the arm for your iMac? I have a similar set-up and would benefit greatly.
Thanks, ~H.
Look at the Humanscale M8
Found your site through Swiss-Miss and love the idea. I plan on retiring soon and had begun looking at Airstreams. Although I found the new ones nice, they are very expensive, so I had hesitated taking this any farther. Your renovation has changed my mind and I am going to investigate the whole concept in more detail. Not sure I could do what you have done in 8 months but I do have a bit more time. Great work. I will definitely contact you should I decide to go this route.
Thanks again, Ray
Would be happy to talk with you on your project. Keep in touch!
It’s beautiful
I always dreamed of a large modern house as my dream house. But after seeing this I don’t mind living in a trailer. You’re an inspiration!
This is EXACTLY what I knew could be done! Thank you! I am in LOVE with idea of small, simple living and wish so much that I had the funds to hire you TOMORROW to help me find and renovate my own Airstream. I’ve bookmarked your website so I can keep tabs on your progress with your newest projects.
Hi again Matthew;
On the iMac swing arm. What exactly did you do to “beef up” the under structure? If anything, but guessing when extended can be quite an increased loading.
Thanks
Richard
Hi, I’ve been reviewing your work after my gf pointed out the post on Apartment Therapy to me. Pretty impressive stuff, I’ve been wanting to do much the same with soaring rent prices. I’m currently a student and believe my money would be put to much better use creating a similar type project instead of renting during school years.
I was curious how much you spent on the original Airstream trailer before you began renovation? All of the trailers I see on CL in my area (SF BAY) seem to be at least ~$5,000
I was curious if you think the structural integrity / general (overall) craftsmanship of the Airstreams would be of higher quality than other types of trailers? So basically - is the higher price relevant for you only for the obvious asthetic appeal?
would love to talk more about this subject, I’m hoping to purchase and renovate one so I can move in sometime before Fall of 2012!
-James Green
A couple years ago, the original Airstream was purchased for $3,000. Mind you, the condition was very, very poor. Airstreams are FAR superior for quality and standing up to deterioration over the years. Aluminum frame, no wood, very little rot. Keep in touch!