Architecture Grad Student - DIY MICRO CAMPERVAN

[@marilynstarck6310]

Amazing!!! OUTSTANDING!! Absolutely the BEST multiple use of the smallest van space!!! I like the bamboo plywood- real smart! Thank you for sharing!!!

[@vihreelinja4743]

Lol. Worst ive seen..too much crap stuffed in a small space is never good. Dude dont even have room for a girl to sleep with. Working position with yo legs streight wtf.

[@Amongus-iq4km]

@@vihreelinja4743 first lets start with the girl then u can think how she would fit in.

[@57Jimmy]

@@vihreelinja4743 it’s obvious you know nothing about minimal spaces with your thoughtless comment. Maybe your version of roughing it is a king size bed in a five star hotel for the pampered, spoiled grown up baby. And...no room for a girl friend? Maybe you and yours sleep in separate rooms, or even separate countries. Girlfriends are either on top or on the bottom when I was that age! So, for you there is plenty of room for a groupie with Mrs Palm and her four daughters! He has done a fantastic job and very sensible use of space to keep everything clean and tidy in such a confined space. HE designed it HE made it HE did a mighty fine job! Being a cabinet maker for 45 yrs, he certainly gets my stamp of approval!

[@joyramospacilan900]

I think i've watched at least 500 videos already on van coversions. I can honestly say, this design and lay-out must be one of my top 3.

[@CampoVans]

Thanks for watching!

[@kinhelfa]

Totally agree. I binge-watch this over all the others as I have my heart set on converting a neighbour's Suzuki Carry van (2005). This particular architect appears to be such a genuinely pleasant chap. I wish him every happiness, success & prosperity.

[@MaacAbra]

Could you then provide links to the other two, please?

[@dianer8881]

For a light-weight sink, try a portable, collapsible plastic basin and a plastic hanging solar shower bag. Store one burner, pan, pot, plastic cutting board, bowl, cup, fork, spoon, knife, shower bag and basin in a backpack. Try one-pot recipes. Sit and cook on the floor of your van - have a picnic.

[@RyouConcord]

I have a 2017 Transit Connect, and I already outfitted it to have a "haul" mode and an "office work" mode but this... THIS far exceeds anything I could have imagined and its giving me some serious ideas.

[@stevedownwind]

I bought one in 2014. Lower headroom. I converted mine. I have used it for road carpentry jobs, boondocked, have a kayak, 2 100 watt panels above, 35 liter Alpicool fridge, full galley with single burner. Its so basic compared to your design but I have actually lived in mine for 6 weeks. Its like a lunar module honestly but you are modest to say this is a weekender. A minimalist could live in your layout indefinitely. Nice, nice design capital you've displayed here. Multi use is absolutely critical for a single, small, everything vehicle. One observation from experience: a small cargo box on top is invaluable. I use dry bags and put dunnage into my kayak cavity. It keeps the bulk inside to a minimum.... Or makes room for my tablesaw and chopsaw below, lol. Thanks for sharing. Fantastic and functional transformer van.

[@04dram04]

You should build and sell this this as a kit for people to install in their own vans

[@rcpmac]

Just the drawing package. The guy is an architect, he’s got bigger things in his future than pieces of plywood and piano hinge.

[@TheVanderfulLife]

@@rcpmac An architect who can engineer is special, from my experience a typical architect can create wonderful designs then palm them off to other engineers who do the hard part making sure it can actually work

[@rcpmac]

@@TheVanderfulLife Didn't say he couldn't and didn't engineer it - I was referring to the idea that he should go into manufacturing

[@TheVanderfulLife]

@@rcpmac yeahh didn't mean it in a bad way to you or him, just a minor dig at architects making my day job more difficult than it should be 😂

[@empyreanproductionsinc.1288]

Totally agree with this. Just bought a Transit Connect to convert to camper/recording studio. I want to hire him!!

[@AwesomeShotStudios]

That's a true transformer. Excellent use of space, and a very clean look overall. Kudos.

[@edenbreckhouse]

I've converted 3 vans and watched a lot of conversion videos. This is without a shadow of a doubt the most impressive van conversion I have ever seen. You sir are an absolute genius and one of the major camper conversion companies should offer you a job heading up their design team asap. Well done.

[@Dhoov52]

Hyperbole

[@kerryparry3818]

That is the best conversion I've ever seen, and I have been looking at conversations for years now, I wish I was that clever 😊 well done

[@CampoVans]

Whooo!!

[@debbiedebbie9473]

You'd have to see how small the Ford Connect is, to appreciate what he's done. Amazing ! Well done 👍

[@hankmishima4798]

Hey, that is one of the best designs I have seen out there for a small van! The large bed is the thing that adds the value so two can sleep with some comfort along with all the amenities.

[@CampoVans]

Yes, very true.

[@TheHikingChick1]

Jim and I were just talking about Michael and how we haven't seen him in any videos. This build is brilliant! You did a fabulous job with such a small space. Miss you guys!

[@CampoVans]

We want more of Mike in the videos, too! Miss y'all! PS let's do a tour video of your van and you give the tour?!

[@TheHikingChick1]

@@CampoVans I'd love to. Want to do one for my channel too!

[@dianer8881]

For a small space, prefer a high-top - where you can stand completely upright.

[@healthcoachrene7351]

Super sweet build. I am in the beginning stages of my Connect camper van conversion. I converted my home, a school bus, and am a travel nurse and health/life coach.

[@CampoVans]

The transit connect is definitely a great platform. Sounds like you will do a great job!

[@jmanuelforero3850]

Optimized every corner, and that bed couch lounge IMPRESSIVE!!!

[@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284]

This is one of the better Transit builds I've encountered yet. Great job

[@mikeclare5907]

I am on doing my small van conversion now and seeing your conversion has made me think WOW i should pinch some ideas. I am not. I am going with my original plan for a multi function space all be it very low tech and simple, hopefully comfortable and practical too. A absolutely cracking project, i trust you are going to enjoy it. Best wishes Mike County Durham UK

[@karenann4277]

You have the best versatile van build for multiple uses I have ever seen! Excellent. I love it.

[@j19n7200]

thats the most versatile and simple to use van build that I ever saw

[@jojocrowley3933]

Wow! Mike did a great job. I also have studied architecture. I was so happy to hear that about him. The way he described his spaces definitely makes it sound like an architecture designed this build. Great job!

[@bhnzy]

I've seen many videos of architects building a van and this by far is the best

[@goutambhola5646]

This was the BEST I have ever seen in terms of practical use of space. Great job dude.

[@benjones8977]

Excellent build! The best build I’ve seen on this type of van, not to mention the best modular type system I’ve seen yet! 👌 Sure makes a tiny space comfortable.

[@jamiearnold3845]

Best connect build I've see so far!

[@CetMM]

This is a brilliant build. The use of space to be able to still haul stuff is great. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@Bus_Geld]

In my opinion, this is the perfect layout 👍

[@dariostarsky8124]

Mate, I hardly ever "like" YT videos, but this "swiss army van conversion" is simply brilliant! You could fit it into Nissan Micra!! Thanks for the inspiration, all the best!!!

[@SweetiePieTweety]

Oh this is genius !!! Been searching so long for a connect build I could still haul for my urban contract jobs . Perfecto!

[@Latingent50]

I'm partial to a big and tall Mercedes Sprinter van, but that's just my own preference. Considering the tiny vehicle you picked, you did a very nice looking and clever build, young man! Architect school plus your own talent yielded awesome results. Good luck with your career! 👍

[@amywalker7515]

I like it because it is easy to drive and park, inconspicuous, not many would suspect someone might be sleeping inside, lower in cost, efficient and can probably go a lot of places a larger van can't.

[@michelleayers1223]

This is one of the best designs I've seen!

[@clairehiggins7120]

With the addition of a backpacking air bed to make the bed more comfortable I could live with this, it’s a good design

[@sheilajoseph9953]

That's amazing having the build compact gives more space and makes van look bigger inside than it is.

[@mikegruber172]

Seriously! Very impressive. Simple, yet very well done.

[@jeaninedevito4196]

This is the best smaller camper build I have seen. Must be because you're an architect! Well done!

[@extectic]

I'm a big fan of transforming spaces and transforming furniture, it's really the only way to fully utilize a space that small. That said, I'm betting constantly converting it gets old. But, still a really solid tiny van you can definitely live out of a while. I mean, you could live in it permanently too, people do live in this size or even smaller, but for me it would definitely be no more than a weekender.

[@joewyatt2407]

This is the best one I've seen, incredibly clever!

[@beattheswissable]

Thank you for sharing! This is the most clever tiny van build I have ever seen. By a long shot! So much usable space when you need it. Absolutely brilliant - and beautifully executed, too. Congratulations!

[@johngriffiths2881]

I’ve a large Boxer (ram master I think you call it). Bed, bath, kitchen seats/sleeps 4 etc etc. Guarantee your van took a lot more thought than mine (and mine took an awful lot of thinking, probably more than the build) small spaces are way harder to get right. It’s an awesome thought out and executed van. Nice one fella. I did note a couple of small things , I couldn’t see any vents or alarms, smoke or CO2. Don’t think I saw a fire extinguisher, either. Enjoy.

[@millinutz]

If you are an Architech, like he is, then you have the mind set to get round the problems of design, as is here more than visible. I think condensation is gonna be his biggest problem and according to where he is gonna want to park for the night, cold will also be a thing. I noticed he has not much in the way of insulation. Imagine if he had been let lose on your van or my Proace... wow!

[@cvcoco]

Nice work and ideas. As I study these things, my only complaints are that sectioned cushions are very uncomfortable to sleep on and second, all builds could benefit from weight diets. No plywood. Im building up a file now of just light weight alternatives to plywood and re-thinking how to sleep so that no fixed space is devoted to it. Third, the problem I see in most builds is too many steps to deploy something like a bed and thats going to get old fast. I bet a lot of well-intentioned people wound up sleeping on the floor or not using some other cool-looking thing because of the steps needed.

[@lindabarrett6471]

That's the best transit connect build I have seen.

[@rhch]

I saw your name and my mouth dropped open this is my mother’s name and I’m thinking since when was she interested in Van Life.... shook me up for a moment....from Houston Texas ...nice running into you!

[@PinkFirePinkFire]

check out his others, too!!

[@marileeplus3]

Nice! Functional with a professional look! This setup would be great for a larger van, up scaled of course! Thank you for sharing.

[@susanshaver912]

Most fascinating mini build I have seen!

[@JimmyMarkel]

Best build I have ever seen!

[@SemperFi1971]

WOW, the best I've seen so far, a genius setup, I'm sold!!

[@GeoffreyMays]

Great use of space for multi functional application. Clean design.

[@MaartenAnna]

😳😳😳😳Gobsmacked!!! So simpel so clean... Best conversion I’ve seen yet. I reckon you can put 2 large bags under the lounge/sofa/bed and be off for a week or two (near a lake or the ocean so you can get a wash every now & then).

[@abbii1661]

very nice design, the concept of "mode" is impressive

[@DrgnMage2536]

That is the type of build I am looking for a camper conversion. It allows are hauling cargo, provides seating/lunging area, and a sleeping platform. Very well done and quite simple.

[@ferretface8782]

I get my Transit Connect this week. This is by far the best layout I've seen. I will immediately start modeling it in 3ds Max. The only difference is I have the back cargo door windows, but don't have the side cargo door windows. I would like to see a lift and turn function on the Captain chairs so they can be turned inward and used as an extended layout.

[@millinutz]

Wow.... this is the Tardis ! But it also reminds me of Tetris to open it up, then fold back together again.

[@elizabethpeterson56]

cool. as soon as u said this i could see it.

[@SocksWithSandals]

That was the best microcamper build EVER. 🇬🇧 Full stop.

[@tgc4204]

I love your idea that it can still transport goods if needed.

[@dodorosey6245]

Best van design I’ve seen, well done

[@barbaraott407]

2:02 to 3:17 - I really like the seating 90 degree to the kitchen top for smaller/lower top vehicles, just needs a pullout table for dining and foodprep. Also the kitchen guts being accessible from outside is super practical, bet a garden hose could live in there for easy refills. I also wonder if cupboards could hang from the celing

[@Delianycx]

This is the best, the smartest small van conversion I've ever seen!!! I'd love to see what you can do with larger vans.

[@kalenagy]

wow the 4 modes are an amazing idea

[@Valyval59]

Best FTC conversion I've seen! Kudos!

[@michaelsmith9308]

i expected NOTHING less from a graduate student in architecture :) Excellent job!

[@garycochran2037]

Wow! Great use of small space!!!!

[@nomadmusk]

Every college kid's wet dream right there. Bravo.

[@geminicreativeagency]

Best I've seen so far in terms of functionality. Great job!

[@EdurtreG]

Made me happy just watching.

[@elizabethpeterson56]

its a truly wonderful idea to have stove sink and drawers employ inside or outside use without the usual barriers. u cansee and acces water supply so easily. first time i have seen such an intelligently simple and visually appealing build. keep on here. sure u will be coming up with more great ones

[@nickz8629]

background piano music is very nice too. love the build idea.

[@offairhead]

Personally I want to full-time and i have no interest in folding my bed in and out every and out every time I need to use it so this wouldn’t work for me, however, for just a weekender, this could really be a great solution. It is very well thought out and executed! Good job.

[@minimutt1408]

I like this. If I build one I will steal some ideas from this one (including involving my retired architect family member.) Since I wouldn't use hauling and camper at the same time I think I could get a one or two piece mattress. I also think bed mode would be more slats on rails rather than jenga (lets air flow under the bed to prevent mode, less weight.) Love the bamboo plywood. Thanks!

[@paulagarcia7777]

What a Smart Guy! Great Build! 👌

[@jamesa5980]

This is exceptionally well designed and executed. Thank you for sharing

[@dainiusstankevicius5917]

One of the most creative van builds out there. I did enjoy learning about it. Thanks for sharing!

[@seanahern9160]

This is the dream connect build! Love it

[@lorrainenicoletti6232]

Love your build . Love the wood choice, Bamboo and the area separation with the different materials. Clean and organized. I wish to have a van like yours. Small and built to use and travel.

[@laurarusso551]

Wow... That's so awesome! Thought out and very efficient. I would love that set up in a short wheel , mid height van. Thank you!

[@mjremy2605]

This is quite a feat, bravo! Very sleek and hugely functional. I like the fact it all pins back so you have space to haul large wood panels or furniture. This is smart design. The modularity is worthy of professional design. Very impressive! Like an origami box unfolding. Loved it!

[@mikegruber172]

Ahhh it was all set up for you ! Table Mode!

[@stevekari5944]

WOW!!!! VANTASTIC! DID YOU VIDEO THE BUILD? ARE YOU SELLING THE PLANS?

[@DavidLaburglier]

Absolutely bonkers. Nice work!

[@WillN2Go1]

Nice build. I like your different zone thinking. On the other side of scale - consider the cruise ship. Basically one design theme for a ship that has about 12 decks, 2000 passengers and1400 crew. It's easy to get off at the wrong level because everything looks exactly the same, not unified - just repetitious. You're bored the first day. You begin to navigate by the bad art on the walls - stuff you'd never look at twice becomes the way finding landmarks. I think what van life needs are a series of well made insulated pop tops that don't cost $5000 and fit all kinds of vans. To me that's the game changer. Sprinters are nice, but basically you're driving around dragging a tall box of air that has absolutely zero utility while you drive getting 11 mpg. The next level will probably have to come from the vehicle companies, a pop up van that is no taller than an SUV (like my Tesla Model Y -but longer) while you drive. There's one of these that will fit in the 6' bed of the Cybertruck but basically it's like a phone booth.

[@gideonporter537]

Now THIS is impressive, young Skywalker! 🙂

[@69indigoblue]

Clever solutions for this tiny camper...well done...!

[@jaysjourney369]

OK so I only need to watch this 100 times more to take In how you've created this masterpiece haha..just bought the same van and starting from scratch, I'll check out your other vids

[@citruesilver]

Impressive build, very well designed!

[@GamerKidEdits]

Nice. Definitely need more builds with the 4 modes, plus a 5th people mover.

[@andropolonsky]

Enjoy your work! It’s great to be an architect..right? I love it! Thanks to showing that to others!

[@antonisziogas]

Nice work! good usage of space, greetings from Greece.❤

[@massimoalampi7009]

Great work, well done! In my opinion it is one of the best mini camper ever. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@jennifern9373]

Wonderful, well thought out build. If I was camping with this, I would probably be lazy and just keep the bed mode out.

[@EdVanWest]

Wow i love it, one of the best built i have seen for such a small space. The only missing part would be a toilet.

[@BasicallyBosco]

This is one of my favorite setups ever

[@robertstewart1254]

When I saw the access to the sink from both sides, I thought it might be cool to have the counter mounted on drawer guides so it could be slide out more. Plumbing would need to be rethought.

[@Av-pu2bo]

100% fresh space

[@numnut1516]

They would love this guy in Key West Florida, there are a lot of really small houses/properties there and he seems to have a knack for designing in small spaces

[@alexlau7115]

wow. this is crazy good. i'm a salior. i'm used to small space. this is well designed and well engineered man. kudos~

[@rmaddoxmaddox3574]

Beautiful. It’s clear that this is the work of a skilled architect.

[@epc123456]

Excellent use of space

[@CascadeCaps]

I love how every video like this features Blundstones.

[@elusiveworld]

brilliant. i had a connect for work years ago. Great to see what you have packed in.

[@audreysmith2557]

This is a brilliant design!! Thanks for sharing!

[@6709LeftzBehind]

I really wanted a transit connect a year or so ago, but I got a hybrid instead, it's pretty poppy on storage but better on gas mpg than the transit connect.

[@elizabethpeterson56]

u can fit a lot in that hybrid from what ive seen on the tube. i just got one too and I swear it feels like gliding in a plane. Ahhh in love again

[@JohnKapistran]

Great!!! Makes me wanna go micro this way it is possible to be comfy in it and the dog!

[@GreenlifeFin]

Wowwww! Brilliant.

[@raphaelb5730]

Outstanding job! I was planning on going the same basic setup, having a small camper for weekend Trips but still being able to use it for transport. I also like the "two zones" to make it feel bigger. Got some great inspiration from your build, thanks for sharing!