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http://www.hofarc.com/category/arp/
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An Architect's Airstream
A dream to obtain, renovate, and live in a vintage Airstream Trailer.
Slideshow
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Hofmann Architecture
I've recently launched an architectural firm called: Hofmann Architecture: Here's the link: www.hofarc.com
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
The Bathroom
In the beginning I considered keeping much of the original bathroom. This is the first picture I have of what was the original bath - this is actually after I had started demolition. I decided to replace the cabinet, then found a crack in the base - replace the base, toilet's broken - shower line in an awkward place.... Long story short, I had a relatively blank, very curved canvas to conceive a brand new bathroom.
Existing condition after a fair amount of demo work. Just wow. |
At one point, I was considering keeping the fixtures - maybe just a little paint? What a joke. |
Re-used the shower pan, sloping to drain (replaced). The white iradescent paint you see is actually an adhesion primer to prepare the attachment of the foam backer board. |
Here is the rest of the cabinet base. Getting the previous toilet out had to be the most heartbreaking, disgusting thing I've ever done (was putting it of for weeks.) |
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Temporary Home
Downtown Santa Barbara, a commercial work yard in the FUnk ZonE. My neighbors are: One old trailer where a gentleman lives and makes custom sketchbooks out of dried hickory; three 25-30 foot boats; several bands that practice and record in shipping containers; a local artist sculptor (he just submitted an artpiece on the hollywood walk of fame (big guitar sculpture.)
Here's a picture of the work yard.
Clear coat Stripping
With the ultimate goal of polishing the outside to a mirror like shine, I found that a very thin and stubborn animal lay in my way. Before I can even touch the aluminum skin of the trailer, I have to remove what amounts to a factory option clear coat finish (to protect the aluminum over the years.) It just makes it look dull.
After trying some nasty gnarly products from the local home improvement store, I found a product off the internet that is NON TOXIC (wow) and environmentally friendly - seems I don't even have to wear gloves. It goes on with a brush in the evening, and sprays off with a hose in the morning.
The clear coat removal product applied to the entire side of the trailer. |
I decided to take off the red and white pin-striping on the sides. Going for an all aluminum, no frills finish :) |
This stuff is amazing. |
Removing the side decals. You can see the improvement in shine already around the window. |
With the rock-screen off. Doesn't she look a bit naked? |
Plans
Here's a 3-D cutaway of what the airstream would have looked like back in 1978. This is essentially how it was the day I first saw it except for the front had a built in dinette from a previous owner. (much of what you see here was in pieces.
From a 1978 sales brochure for the Tradewind. |
What to do...
There is a large wall with an accordion door separating the kitchen/ living area with a semi-formal bedroom area - this will be the first thing to go. I plan on opening up the interior, using simple, light colors to make the space light and clean.
There's a lot of DARK wood inside. This successfully makes the space smaller than it is. A nice speckled vinyl is on all the walls - yellow from the 30+ years.
The kitchen has absolutely no counter space - just sink and stove.
Most of the space stinks to high heavens (pit bull storage space :)
Plans for renovation. Keeping the layout of the floor plan but changing the concept of the interior space. Click on the photo to see an enlarged version. |
Think big. Think simply.
Lots of white - natural materials influenced by the aluminum skin. Taking a cue from Santa Barbara, will probably use blue for a splash of color. Think Nantucket.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Interior - The beginning
The main living area after I had done some demo work. A dividing wall that separated the kitchen and bedroom areas with an accordion door has been removed. |
The prior owner had installed a dinette in the front of the trailer. The original configuration had a convertible gaucho up front in this location. |
Where the kitchen sink and oven were located. The furnace is completly rusted out - I doubt it works. |
Day One
I purchased the 1978 tradewind (not yet named) from a private party in Los Angeles. Rained all the way home and opened up to sunny skies when I rolled in the parking lot.
Mom came over to check out the new find - a quick Vanna White for the camera. |
Awnings on both sides. Outside in rather good condition - wait till you see the inside :( |
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