Seeing an old postal coach transformed into a stylish mobile home is a rare opportunity, at least this side of the Atlantic. Hence, we were intrigued when a Swiss couple - united by their deep love of travelling and an indomitable spirit - contacted us to let us know about their bold plan. Let us introduce you to Stefan and Ursi. Their quest? Transforming an old Swiss postal coach that once navigated picturesque Alpine routes into a self-sufficient, elegantly appointed camper van! A journey of transformation that is as much about refurbishing an old vehicle as reimagining a life of freedom on wheels, tailor-made to accommodate their adventurous wishes and whims.
Ursi met Stefan, an avid traveller who had been exploring many countries in his own camper van for over 12 years, a few years back. As they got to know each other, a shared dream quickly formed after watching a documentary about a couple travelling the world in a converted school bus: to craft a mobile dwelling that could carry them across Europe in comfort and style. They envisioned a life unbound by conventional limits, where they could wake up to a new vista every morning - be it the rugged coastlines of the Mediterranean or the unspoiled landscapes of Scandinavia. However, the first step toward this nomadic lifestyle was finding the perfect vehicle to convert into their dream home on wheels.
Finding Mogli
Stefan and Ursi initially set their sights on an iconic American school bus, hoping to turn it into a 'Skoolie'. This is how renovated school buses made into homes are known in the US. Drawn to its spacious interior and rugged charm, they imagined transforming its broad, yellow corridors into a cosy, inventive living space. However, their aspirations soon collided with the harsh reality of Swiss legislation: stringent vehicle regulations and red tape would have required additional inspections to allow a US bus on Swiss roads. This was going to be an expensive outlay that exceeded their budget. Disheartened but undeterred, they turned their focus onto converting an old Swiss postal bus.
After a long search they finally found what they were looking for in Germany. A company called "Fischer Omnibus GmbH", stocked exactly these types of vehicles! They soon spotted a 1987 NAW BH4-23 which had previously served in the Bernese Oberland, navigating mountain passes and transporting locals and tourists alike. Its sturdy build and reliable history made it an ideal candidate for conversion. They named it "Mogli" after one of the protagonists of the documentary that inspired their dream.
Designing the living spaces
Stefan and Ursi's approach to the interior design of their new coach was to create a living space that felt both cosy and practical, without sacrificing comfort or style. Key to achieving this balance was the strategic use of space, light, and materials that would stand the test of time and travel.
Maximising natural light and views
A design priority was to keep as many of the original coach windows as possible unobstructed. This enhances the sense of space, but also lets in natural light to flood the interior and provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Each window was fitted with heat protection film and external awnings to keep the heat at bay without diminishing the influx of natural light.
Custom furniture and fittings
To make the most of every square centimetre, Stefan and Ursi designed furniture that could serve multiple purposes. The bed, for instance, was designed not only for sleeping but also includes storage compartments underneath. The kitchen area, compact yet functional, is equipped with essential modern appliances and built-in cabinets fashioned from lightweight, durable materials.
The bedroom
The rear of the coach was transformed into a cosy bedroom, complete with auxiliary heating radiators and meticulously installed insulation. Flooring was particularly challenging due to the necessity of keeping engine service hatches accessible. The couple also customised the headboard of the bed, adding a personal touch to the space.
The bathroom and shower
Designing a bathroom and shower in the confined space of a mobile home required careful planning and creative management of space. The couple’s approach ensured that every centimetre was utilised efficiently, maintaining both functionality and visual appeal.
The wallpapering process
When it came to decorating Mogli’s interiors, Stefan and Ursi knew that they wanted to use wallpaper. This was driven by both aesthetic as well as practical considerations as it allows for a high degree of customisation and provides an element of homely comfort that is often lacking in more utilitarian vehicle conversions. With Ursi in charge of picking the design style and a mutual appreciation for the Art Deco style, the choice fell on a classic pattern of that era.
Wall preparation
Given the age of the coach and the materials used in its construction, Stefan and Ursi had to ensure that the surfaces were perfectly prepared for the wallpaper installation. They started by reinforcing the interior walls with a double layer of 12 mm birch plywood, which provided a stable and insulating substrate for the wallpaper. All seams and fixing holes were meticulously filled and sanded to create a smooth, even surface.
Choosing the right adhesive
Being aware of the importance of selecting the appropriate adhesive, Stefan and Ursi wisely decided to first test different products, evaluating them in terms of ease of application and durability under the stresses of road travel and temperature variations. In the end they picked "Ovalit TM" from Metylan, a high-performance adhesive that is often the first choice when installing wallpaper in such environments.
Wallpaper installation
When it came to actually installing their wallpaper, Stefan and Ursi fully knew just how important it is to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines closely, but at the same time to tailor them to suit your specific needs. As a result, they applied the adhesive directly onto the prepared walls and to the back of the wallpaper, ensuring a strong, even bond. Special attention was also given to the edges and corners, where they applied extra adhesive to prevent peeling.
Despite their meticulous planning, they experienced several challenges during the process. One major issue that they found quite difficult to overcome was the alignment and fitting of the wallpaper around windows and curved surfaces within the bus’s structure. They tackled this by carefully measuring and cutting the wallpaper to ensure it would fit perfectly around irregular shapes and obstacles. The final touches included treating the edges with a waterproof sealant to protect against moisture and using a smoothing tool to eliminate any air bubbles or wrinkles. The result speaks for itself!
Conclusion
Stefan and Ursi's epic transformation of Mogli can provide a wealth of technical insights for anyone considering a similar project:
- Space utilisation
Maximise space by designing custom furniture that serves multiple purposes. - Natural light and insulation
It’s important to let in as much natural light as possible - but don’t underestimate the importance of adding heat protection film and awnings to manage temperature. Reinforcing walls with materials like plywood not only provides a stable surface for wallpaper but also adds much needed insulation. - Testing and selecting materials
Don’t just buy the first adhesives and materials you see but test them first under conditions similar to your planned environment. - Follow manufacturer guidelines, adapting them to fit your needs
In a mobile environment it’s always a good idea to apply adhesive to both the wall and the wallpaper for a stronger bond. Treating the edges with a waterproof sealant is going to pay off in terms of longevity.