Continuation of Minimalist Aesthetic with More Functionality

Featured Image: Functional bedframe aesthetic inspiration from Timber Van Kits

Because all designs are continually improving, I have chosen to continue my upcycle project into my main project. As I described with my motivation for my upcycling project, I have recently been building out a Ford Econoline Shuttle Bus. This has been a very interesting build and I have enjoyed the process very much. The majority of the functional work is done, such as my solar power system, heating, and insulation. Now I am working on the interior design aspect of the project, where I have really enjoyed exploring my artistic side and curating my own aesthetic.

Image 1: My bus before building in a bedframe

As I have been building the bus out, I have also been living in it. One of the things I knew needed immediate improvement was my bedframe, which was an Ikea bed wedged into the back of the bus sitting precariously on wooden blocks. I improved this significantly with my upcycling project, where I repurposed the skorva beams from another bed frame and built it into the actual walls of my bus. This bed was also raised and had completely open space underneath for storage. This is something I want to keep constant within the modification for my main project, as this storage is very important when working in a confined space.

Image 2: the final result of my upcycle project with minimalist aesthetic

I was really happy with the way that my upcycling project came out aesthetic-wise. I felt like I was able to translate the minimalist aesthetic seen in Scandanavian furniture and translate it to this part of my bus build, and I was also able to build on the overall modern rustic aesthetic of my bus by matching colors and using wood. One of the main areas of feedback I got in my project was dual purposing space with my bedframe. Ideas like murphy beds and integrated shelves were suggested, and I strongly agreed that this would increase the functionality of my bed frame. When it comes to building a tiny house on wheels, functionality is everything.

Image 3: An example of a van bedframe with integrated shelf storage inspired by @Carolina_tiny_homes on Reddit.

I sat generating concepts for a while, and I wanted to find a way where I could collapse the space of this bed dynamically. There were multiple ways to do this such as a raised track system, collapsable tables, and the previously mentioned murphy bed. However, my favorite concept was a telescoping bed frame. This matched my minimalist aesthetic very well, and I thought the idea of staggered slats sliding into each other was a simple and highly effective solution. It also will perfectly utilize the luroy slats I have for my current bed frame, which I think is the key aesthetic component.

Images 3 & 4: Example of telescoping bedframe by Timber Van Kis

I got great inspiration from Timber Van Kits, who sold a modular telescoping bedframe. I also enjoyed the cabinet it had integrated on the sides, which I also want to add to the functional design of this main project. I was also thinking that the cabinets could be used for structural support where I currently have wooden legs bearing a compressive load. Ultimately, my idea is to have a solid bed frame that is able to telescope down to half of its side for added space. This telescoping assembly will sit on top of cabinets, where I will also have added organized storage for my shuttle bus. I will need a track component where I will have the hanging beams slide across, which I have not yet figured out yet. I was thinking of using 8020 extrusion, which I could add a rolling mount to attach the skorva beams, but I am unsure of the load ratings for this. If anyone has suggestions for a low profile track system, where I can attach load bearing bed frame beams on the side (not on top), please feel free to share.