Sarah is a designer/writer and her husband owns a building and remodeling company. The couple lives in Phoenix, where the 1963 Airstream Safari Trailer sits in their backyard. Sarah’s husband did much of the remodeling and documented it on his blog The Cyclocontractor. The “before” photos show a seriously worn-out and beat up Airstream that had seen far better days — conveniently, it was already practically gutted when they bought it. The creative adaptive reuse project turned the beat-up old trailer into a charming open-floor plan studio space.
The interior skin was removed, the old fiberglass insulation was taken out, the electrical wiring was redone, and some structural reinforcement was completed to shore up the roof. After holes were patched, the roof was fixed and new wiring was complete, all new insulation was put in place, new walls, new floors and new lighting. The interior was then painted crisp white, and vintage furnishings and storage units completed the job, turning the beat-up old trailer into a gorgeous freshly designed space.
+ 26 Letters
Via Design*Sponge and Cyclocontractor
Photo credits: Cyclocontractor, Phoenix New Times and Design*Sponge
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Renovations, recycled materials, an Airstream Trailer and an art studio – nothing could be dearer to this writer’s heart, and this vintage trailer-turned-studio, seen over at Design*Sponge, is an absolute treasure. Sarah of 26 Letters always wanted her own art studio, so she decided to repurpose an old trailer to create the space of her dreams. The result is a charming renovation that is sure to make you green with envy.
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This is what the super chic interior looks like after the renovation.
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A section of interior skin before removal.
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Airstream interior with the skin removed
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Sagging Airstream roof (see bent rib towards the bottom of the photo).
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View of two new ribs, one running part-way down either side of the trailer.
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The fuzzy, pink cocoon of the insulated Airstream.
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Clecos holding the skin while it is riveted.
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The painted interior with the new plywood and some flooring.
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The completed interior, before furniture.
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The Airstream in its idyllic backyard setting in Phoenix.
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Cozy vintage furniture make the space fun and inviting.
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A practical work table for Sarah’s design business, 26 Letters.