Japanese Pals Recycle Old Truck into Transforming Two-Story Mobile Home

Everything about this crazy mobile home screams "made in Japan"; it's compact, it's a vehicle and it's extremely unique. In fact, we're wagering that it's the only <a href="http://inhabitat.com/the-100mpg-lightning-hydraulic-hybrid-vehicle/">hydraulic</a>, double-decker, transforming, fully-equipped <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nasa-architects-cricket-trailer-showcases-space-age-design/">camper</a> in the the world - well, at least the only one that features a Japanese-style zen loft space with rice paper windows and tatami mats on the second floor. Of course, the other thing that makes this vehicle so special is that it wasn't made by Honda or <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nissans-fully-electric-leaf-vehicle-unveiled/">Nissan</a>, but rather a group of pals who decided to convert an old truck into something way cooler, and have some fun doing it. Read on for more pics of the interior (it's amazing what they were able to fit in there).

The band of bros used mostly metal to create their <a href="http://www1.ttcn.ne.jp/~gyo/English/campingcar.htm">dream camper</a>, making the addition relatively lightweight.

And while the exterior looks pretty industrial, the inside is as cozy as a typical Japanese house would be.

There's a kitchen and living room, both with built-in, space-saving utilities.

The first floor is pretty utilitarian and cluttered, but the second level is all zen.

The loft-like space is decked out with tatami mats, sparse decor and peaceful lighting - the perfect place to calm down a road rager.

The bathroom.

And did we mention that this thing transforms?

That's right, using a <a href="http://www1.ttcn.ne.jp/~gyo/English/open.htm">hydraulic system</a>, the top of the seemingly regular truck expands upwards to form a second story.

This camper isn't just one of those automotive projects that you make for the heck of it, and then leave in your driveway. The guys have put it to good use, traveling the road with it and actually stopping at campsites throughout Japan. Hankering to make your own transforming double-decker <a href="http://inhabitat.com/topeak-bikamper-is-a-tent-that-attaches-right-to-your-bike/">camper</a>? Check out this <a href="http://www1.ttcn.ne.jp/~gyo/English/campingcar.htm">website </a>with all of the specifications and <em>do</em> try this at home.

Here's a cool space-saving technique that we'd want to try in our own non-mobile homes - storage space inside the stairs!