General Build Quality and Design Strategies

The aesthetic goal was blatantly-apparent industry-strength construction and minimalism, long continuous lines and openness, and the ability to transition between clean and bright, to warm and comfortable. 

Construction Approach

All modules within the van (cabinets, flooring, ceiling, etc.) can be removed to the point where the original shell cargo van state can be reached. This is due to the use of plus nuts. Plus nuts are threaded flush-mount inserts that fit into the prefabricated existing stock holes in the sheet metal of the van so that framing can be bolted/fixed without the use of self-tapping sheet metal screws which are notorious for causing corrosion.

The van has been insulated from sound and heat transfer using the best engineered materials from 3M for this application. Any cabin air condition can be achieved by optimizing the use of the Maxfann, CRL T-vent windows, and 5kW dry air heater. Dry air is essential to the vans health as well as yours. Condensation can lead to some unwanted outcomes: mold, corrosion, wet bed linens, etc. Your breath has plenty of moisture to keep the van humidity up enough so you don’t reach the other extreme: excessive dryness. Fun Fact: Sleeping in cool conditions minimizes sleep latency and maximizes recovery. The brain must drop by 1-2 degrees Celsius to reach the recovery stages of sleep. Additionally, breathing from your nose ensures that the parasympathetic nervous system is active throughout the night. In one of natures brilliant designs, this state also inhibits the driving force to need to go number 1 in the middle of the night. Mouth taping can save you from both dehydration and the 2am bladder wake up call.

Maximizing Health

There is nothing in the van that will outgas. No VOCs or harsh chemicals. I was very mindful to make this van conducive to building health, not degrading it. Even the lights are a warm tone to mitigate the high frequency (blue) end of the spectrum. And the direct-current (DC) power omits the alternating-current (AC) “flicker” that further disregulates circadian/endocrine health.

There is a major issue with excursions into the wild and out of the comfort of your home. Poor sleep, diet, stress, and general living conditions lead to a degradation in health in direct proportion to time away from home. For example, on a climbing trip, it is within my interest to get stronger along the duration of the trip, so my training is not wasted or, God forbid, injurious. The major point of the venture is to gain strength with the hard outdoor training, and climb as much as possible. A few nights in a wind-blasted tent and consuming nothing but ramen and peanut butter will not be conducive to this strength gain. On the other end of the spectrum, an optimized van conversion / home will maximize recovery, and mitigate homesickness, fatigue, and deteriorating health. This van was designed to accomplish this optimization, allowing the fun to last as long as you can get away. After a long day out in the wild, returning to this van is like coming inside back home and standing on the carpet.