Today we want to tell visitors aboutWisconsin trailer that has finally left the 1970s behind and embraced the modern age. Avid tinkerers Aaron and Amy Carman went on a hunt for vintage E-Stream trailers to repurpose and test. After purchasing a 1971 E-Stream Caravel from a website, the couple spent four years renovating the aging avocado interior into a bright, modern living space. Lightweight materials that won’t weigh you down, and a TV and stereo system help transform the run-of-the-mill trailer into the ultimate portable getaway. As Amy puts it, she always envisioned it as a fort for grown-ups.
Project in numbers
What: Trailer after reconstruction Owners:Amy and Aaron Karman Location: Milwaukee Size: 30 square feet Time: Four years Cost: About $6,800 The Karmans had planned on doing a remodel from the start, so they could afford to buy a less worn-out model. But they really wanted their first experience with an E-Stream conversion to be a success, so they purchased an older model so they could work and learn while they did the work. The design retained some of the fun shapes and silhouettes that would lend themselves easily to a more modern finish. Both the couple have a wealth of experience remodeling interiors, but the E-Stream’s curved shape and small footprint presented a bit of a challenge when getting started. Unlike any of their previous projects, this one was going to be a massive undertaking.
They removed all the interior trim from the E-Stream,carefully examining every inch to get an overall picture of the renovation. The goal was to create a light and bright space with plenty of efficient storage. As Amy said, they had to put drawers and doors wherever possible. Extra cabinets were hidden under the benches, sink, and countertop.
Aaron created a green sculpture wall onkitchen, using lightweight and durable wood material from Asia. Each piece was cut separately, forming a kind of puzzle with the others. Thus, the basis of the interior became an unobtrusive greenish shade. The orange sofa, refreshing the space with its brightness, can be transformed into a full-size bed if desired. At first, the couple wanted to make custom furniture, but instead bought a regular affordable model in an ordinary furniture store.
Aaron used new hardware for the finishing touches,mahogany wall panels and countertops. The bathroom walls are finished with bamboo. The main color scheme was a combination of soft peach and cream tones.
The married couple chose as their mainThe material is natural wood, as it has less weight than stone or concrete. Here you can also see laminated surfaces in bamboo shades.
In addition to the original stove and refrigerator,There is almost nothing left of the 1971 kitchen. New designer cabinets with bamboo inserts provide maximum light and cleanliness to the interior. All the appliances can be powered by either electricity or gas, which is why the Karmans chose this model.
On the curved front and rear parts of the trailerFlexible trims and special laminate were specially ordered. Figuring out the technology of working with such a rounded shape of the case took quite a long time before the couple achieved the ideal result. Bamboo trim is found in the areas of the bathroom, breakfast nook, and also in the area where Amy and Aaron's daughter's bed is located.
Upper part of the ceiling in the breakfast areaequipped with a video system where the family can play video games or watch TV on rainy camping days. The TV is hidden by a universal panel and only slides out when needed.
The appearance of the "Eystream", of course, is alsoneeded a facelift. The aluminum trailer cover that was typically used on these models in the 60s and 70s had begun to warp, crack, and peel. The husband and wife team professionally removed the cover and polished the exterior, which cost a third of the total budget. But the result was magnificent! In the winter, the E-Stream is kept in a closed garage to prevent damage to the body, although sometimes it is necessary to remove stains and rust. But this is a mere trifle compared to the work that was done to give the trailer a new modern look.
