A 1973 Airstream Gets an Organic Remodel Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright

Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s philosophy of organic architecture, this vintage airstream has a pared-down interior filled with natural materials.

Grace and David opted for an open-concept layout, taking down interior walls and moving the bathroom from the back of the trailer to the center for optimal flow.

After spending an adventurous summer traveling in a van with their dog, Richmond, Virginia–based couple Grace Kuhn and David Phinney wanted to take their van life adventures to the next level with an Airstream trailer.

“We knew that we could travel full-time if we had something larger,” Grace says. She works remotely for a wildlife protection agency—and she also knows where she can park for free. Just like that, the Richmonders were prepared to untether and hit the open road.

After spending 18 months rehabbing their 31-foot-long Airstream, the couple took it on the open road, traveling out west with their dog.

After spending 18 months rehabbing their 31-foot-long Airstream, the couple took it on the open road, traveling out west with their dog.

Leah MacDaniel / Flit Photography

Load-bearing drawers pull out from under the sofa, allowing the lounge to transform into a full bed that can sleep two adults. The drawers and cubbies underneath house their solar batteries, blankets, and other miscellaneous items. Above the lounge, a shelf displays the couple’s decorative items. And for movie nights, they place a projector on the shelf and hang a screen in front of the couch.

Load-bearing drawers pull out from under the sofa, allowing the lounge to transform into a full bed that can sleep two adults. The drawers and cubbies underneath house their solar batteries, blankets, and other miscellaneous items. Above the lounge, a shelf displays the couple’s decorative items. And for movie nights, they place a projector on the shelf and hang a screen in front of the couch.

Leah MacDaniel / Flit Photography

The couple found a 1973 Airstream trailer for sale on Craigslist. Located just down the road in Henrico, Virginia, the 31-foot trailer was completely intact with the original interior for just $5,000. “They go pretty quickly,” Grace says, “so we totally lucked out.”

Grace created a workspace by attaching a piece of maple to Floyd legs. The work area also doubles as a kitchen table.

Grace created a workspace by attaching a piece of maple to Floyd legs. The work area also doubles as a kitchen table.

Leah MacDaniel / Flit Photography

See the full story on Dwell.com: A 1973 Airstream Gets an Organic Remodel Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright

Similar Posts

  • Saddle Peak Residence

    A completely transformative renovation opened this former tract home up to views, light, and its stunning outdoor setting. It’s all about the views, but this residence wasn’t always this way. What is now a metal and cedar stunner situated on a private, hilly enclave above Calabasas, was once a darkly lit 1960s-era generic single family home. A two-year renovation made a total overhaul for an entrepreneur and his wife, empty nesters with kids living nearby. The architect, Brian Wickersham of AUX Architecture in Los Angeles, didn’t change a thing in terms of the home’s footprint and rooflines; he couldn’t. “We initially looked at building a new home, but quickly learned that because of an ancient paleolithic landslide, that the county requirements for restraining the hill would be cost prohibitive and time-consuming—potentially five or more years,” says Wickersham. “Instead, we devised a plan to work within the existing house footprint and building envelope for a project that would be classified as a renovation.” In addition to these parameters, the homeowners tasked him with throwing out all of the old—down to the last salad fork—and bringing in everything new—all the while designing something where they could entertain a growing gaggle of grandkids. The result is a modern home that transitions from indoors to outdoors with the ease this property was intended for. “It’s about striking a balance between modest down-to-earth people and helping them realize they can be living a luxurious lifestyle,” says Wickersham. It’s about them living at a higher level of luxury.” A composition of dark standing seam metal and vertical grain cedar give the appearance of three cut pieces, shifted side-to-side, the wood being the cut face. The cedar siding also carries from outside to in, bringing warmth to the home and reinforcing the inside-outside connection. Solar panels, thermal panels to heat the pool, and a thermally coupled HVAC system enable the home to largely function off-the-grid.