We are always on the lookout for unusual projects from our customers, so when we were contacted by a Swiss couple seeking advice on their unique project a few months ago, we were delighted. They had purchased an old Swiss postal bus and were planning to convert it into a motor home, decorating its interiors with our wallpapers! As we are big camper van fans ourselves, this piqued our curiosity and were eager to find out more. Stefan and Ursi were happy to share some of their insights and experience. In this interview, find out how they combined modern elements with Art Deco flair, their experiences with wallpapering, and their dreams of exploring the world in their beloved Mogli!
Could you share a bit about your background and how your passion for motorhome living first began?
Before we became a couple, I, Stefan, had been roaming around in my own camper van for over 12 years. When Ursi joined me, our shared journey through Europe began. This way of travelling is incredibly fascinating. On the one hand, it offers unparalleled freedom, allowing us to constantly discover the most fantastic places. On the other hand, it immerses us in the lives of an incredibly diverse array of interesting people - globetrotting adventurers, off-the-grid mavericks, and the local residents of each country we visit. These interactions deepen our appreciation for humanity, nature, and the stunning beauty of our world. Travelling this way is also filled with adventure, often presenting challenges that we have to tackle with creative, solution-oriented thinking.
You initially planned to convert an American school bus. What led to the shift in plans, and why did you ultimately choose a coach you found in Germany?
Our original plan was to convert a charming yellow US Skoolie (a school bus that has been converted into a recreational vehicle), but this idea fell through due to the stringent requirements of the road traffic office (the Swiss equivalent of the German TÜV or the British MOT). They demanded an additional inspection that would have exceeded our budget - another case of governmental red tape dampening our joie de vivre...
So, we turned our sights to the idea of a more local equivalent, a Swiss Postbus, and found what we were looking for in Germany. A German bus travel company there had collected a number of buses from Switzerland and was selling some. Our model is a "NAW BH4-23" built in 1987 (NAW stands for “Nutzfahrzeuge Arbon Wetzikon”, the successor to another commercial vehicle called Saurer Arbon). Originally, it sported the iconic “Postauto” yellow and was used in the Bernese Oberland for Alpine pass crossings. In Germany, it was repainted white, fitted with yellow rotating lights, and used for special trips to the "Stuttgart 21" construction site.
Tell us the story of christening your RV "Mogli". Where does the name come from? What drew you to this particular coach?
Having found our bus in Germany, we now faced the challenge of transporting this 17-tonne vehicle to our home, especially since neither of us had the necessary driving licence at the time! Luckily, the camper van community is amazingly helpful! We turned to the Web and connected with like-minded individuals at the community website "wohnbus.ch" where we became friend with the club president, Chrigel. It was he, along with Silvan, who picked up the bus from Germany, cleared it through customs, and transported it to our shed. This is where the bus is currently parked as we work hard to complete its transformation.
Once it was there, we began reading everything we could find on the topic of dismantling these buses, how to successfully convert them, and we watched countless videos and read reports online. It was while doing this research that we stumbled on a Netflix documentary called “Expedition Happiness”. It’s a documentary that follows the journey of a young couple, Felix and Mogli, as they convert an old school bus and embark on a road trip from Alaska to Mexico. We were so inspired by the story that we decided to christen our bus "Mogli".
Could you describe some of the setbacks you encountered and tell us about the renovation decisions you took?
Sure! First, we removed all the seats to create space and get a clear overview of the floor area. Then, we measured the available interior space and drew up a dimensional plan according to our preferences. We wanted a cosy yet functional space, so our plan included a bedroom, shower and separate WC, kitchen, and plenty of natural light. To achieve this, we kept as many windows as possible uncovered, which will allow us to enjoy the surrounding landscape. Imagine waking up on a beach and seeing the sea from your bed! The windows are fitted with heat protection film and external awnings to shield us from the heat. We also wanted to be as self-sufficient as possible. For this reason we installed a 500-litre water tank with a reverse osmosis system, ensuring that wastewater (excluding toilet water) is reintegrated into the water cycle as service water. For our electrical needs, we have a solar system with roof panels and a 14-kWh storage system, providing 230V / 240V power.
Our plan was to dismantle from the rear to the front. At the rear, there is an outer hatch with storage space and essential maintenance hatches for the rear engine. This area was also where we wanted to install our “Freshwell” storage box air conditioning system. We spent a long time figuring out how to build a removable floor (to maintain access to the maintenance flaps) with a condensation water outlet at the bottom. In addition, we had to create access to the bus interior via ventilation pipes and the air intake opening. One thing to know about a bus "Made in Switzerland" is that they are built to last, with all walls made of sturdy aluminium sheets. Cutting a larger passageway proved to be quite a challenge!
Then came the question of heating: Should we use the existing diesel parking heater or install something new? We opted for the existing diesel parking heater since it was already in place. We dismantled the three electric radiators, which were connected to the hot water pipes of the parking heater. We tapped into these pipes and integrated them into the hot water system using heating fins mounted on copper pipes. This setup allows heat to rise thermally below the windows. We covered these "flat ribs" with wooden panels and wallpapered them with your beautiful wallpaper! It was only once all this was done that we could we start working on the interiors.
How did you ensure that each area not only meets functional needs but also reflects your personal style?
Ursi was the driving force when it came to blending our ideas with our unique style. She went all in and started an extensive internet research, exploring interior design photo documentaries by other creative RV enthusiasts. She is the one that found the perfect wallpaper to complement our Art Deco theme on your website, as well as the beautiful Moroccan washbasin for the toilet that complements the look so well.
What led you to the decision of using wallpaper instead of other wall décor options?
Wallpapers are vibrant and versatile, allowing us to introduce various nuances of style, form, and cosiness into our living space. They offer immense creative freedom and endless combination possibilities. We are such fans that we even covered our bedside tables with wallpaper to enhance the overall design.
Which criteria were most important when choosing specific patterns and styles of wallpaper? Were there specific themes you felt drawn to, and how do they reflect the overall aesthetic of the interior?
We share a penchant for Art Deco and our goal was to create a cosy living atmosphere in our camper van. To achieve this, we wanted our walls to serve as the framework for the entire interior design. Our plan was to blend modern elements with Art Deco furnishings to create a harmonious and stylish space. The wallpaper selections from "Wallpaper from the 70s" were particularly inspiring, providing us with the perfect designs to capture the elegance and charm of Art Deco while adding a touch of contemporary flair.
How did you prepare the walls of the coach for wallpapering, especially considering the vehicle’s age and its construction materials?
For the walls, we used two layers of 12 mm birch plywood with insulation sandwiched in between for enhanced thermal efficiency. We meticulously filled and sanded all fixing holes to ensure a smooth surface before applying the wallpaper directly on top. For stability and durability, the wall structure was reinforced using a timber frame construction. Wooden beams were securely fastened to both the ceiling and the floor, providing a robust framework that supports the entire wall assembly. This method not only ensures structural integrity but also creates a seamless and aesthetically pleasing finish.
Could you walk us through the actual installation process of the wallpaper? What techniques and tools did you find most effective? What were the biggest technical hurdles?
The most important part was to closely follow the instructions that came with the wallpaper rolls! We wanted to simplify the wallpapering process as much as possible, especially since we were applying it to wooden surfaces. What we were most concerned about was to get the right wallpapering paste, as we knew how essential this is for a moving and vibrating vehicle. That’s why we did some practical tests with different options. After some experimentation, we found that "Ovalit TM" from Metylan worked exceptionally well for our needs.
Our method involved applying the Ovalit TM adhesive directly onto the walls or wallpaper without diluting it or mixing it with any additional wallpapering paste. This straightforward approach allowed us to achieve strong adhesion with minimal effort.
Were there any surprises or learning points during the wallpaper installation that you could share with others who might be considering similar projects?
Providing specific tips on how to apply wallpaper can be tricky as mastering the technique largely comes with hands-on experience. However, one crucial piece of advice I feel we can share is the following: don’t skimp on glue, especially around the edges of the wallpaper. Ensuring that the edges are well pasted from the start will save you time and effort in the long run. Any excess glue can be easily wiped away with water and a sponge, making the process cleaner and more efficient. On the flipside, having to reapply paste to edges that initially didn't adhere properly can be far more time-consuming and tedious. Therefore, it's better to apply a bit more adhesive than necessary rather than skimping on it as this ensures a smooth and lasting finish.
What are your future travelling plans once your renovation project is completed?
In a few years, when we retire, we plan to sell our house and find a small flat, allowing us to embark on extended journeys with our beloved Mogli. Our goal is to spend months on end living in our camper van, exploring new places and embracing the freedom of the open road while we are still relatively "young" and healthy.
Our travel bucket list includes some of our favourite destinations: Sardinia, which we absolutely adore, as well as southern Italy, Sicily, and Greece. We also dream of venturing to Sweden, Spain, Portugal, and France, following the pleasant weather and avoiding the discomfort of the colder seasons at home. This lifestyle will give us the opportunity to meet wonderful people and immerse ourselves in the beauty of our world, whilst simultaneously disconnecting from the digital constraints of modern life.
Read more about how to successfully wallpaper your camper in our in-depth article "Mastering the art of wallpapering in camper vans, RVs and motor homes: a comprehensive guide"