Edison: Redesign of an Airstream Interior, 2002
Size: 94 s.f
Location: Anywhere you would like to go, California
"Vintage enthusiasts are often inextricably wedded to “authentic” restorations, but, when restoring his 1958 Airstream trailer, architect Paul Welschmeyer was more interested in functional systems than a nostalgic showpiece. He began by developing a 'Trailering Tao.' which stipulated above all that 'everything must have two or more uses.' Dubbed 'Edison' by Paul’s wife, Jana, the streamlined structure does double duty as family vacation home and mobile office. For the former, the trailer is outfitted to sleep four adults in two single beds and one double. Each family member is allowed one duffel bag, hung from ceiling hooks to maximize storage.
"The banquette is used as a dining table on vacations, an office desk on job sites. This area is equipped with telephone, AC/DC current, Internet access and cable – the tech readiness is geared toward its function as a portable office. When used for leisure, these capabilities are off-limits, no phone, no TV, no video games. Edison may be pushing 50 but the appliances and mechanical / electrical systems are all new and state-of-the-art. 'We didn’t want to have to depend on something we couldn’t get parts for,' explains Welschmeyer. When not on the road, Edison lives in the Welschmeyers’ backyard. Parked, it is the perfect guesthouse." Allison Arieff, Dwell
