Dezeen Magazine

Nils Holger Moormann designs minimal interior for "inconspicuous" Volkswagen Bus

German designer Nils Holger Moormann has transformed a Volkswagen T6 bus into a mobile home away from home (+ slideshow).

Custombus camper van by Nils Holger Moormaan

Having spent many business trips sleeping in a camper van, the designer wanted to create a comfortable solution that reflected his love of minimal materials and design.

Custombus camper van by Nils Holger Moormaan

"I started the project in my own interest," Holger Moormann told Dezeen. "Freedom has always been my highest priority. I even spend my business travels in a camper and therefore it was natural to look for a proper solution."

Custombus camper van by Nils Holger Moormaan

Working alongside German transport company Custom Bus, Nils Holger Moormann began by "omitting everything that could possibly be omitted", before combining restrained materials with functional details and soft lighting.

Custombus camper van by Nils Holger Moormaan

Cabinets are made from laminated wood with a silk-matt surface, so they velvety to the touch and easy to clean. Each cabinet is edged in natural oak, and features handles made from powder-coated zinc alloy.

Custombus camper van by Nils Holger Moormaan

The kitchen work surface, which incorporates a sink and gas hob, was made from a single piece of stainless steel. Real oak floorboards cover the floors, sides and ceiling panelling.

A sofa bed upholstered in merino wool is big enough to sleep two people.

Custombus camper van by Nils Holger Moormaan

"The camping busses available on the market are often influenced either by exuberant luxury or too many fake materials," said Holger Moormann. "We enjoyed the challenge to find a new way with honest and high quality materials, and worked with a mixture of traditional natural and modern high-tech materials."

Custombus camper van by Nils Holger Moormaan

The exterior of the bus is coated in a matt black paint similar to the kitchen cabinet surfaces.

Custombus camper van by Nils Holger Moormaan

A self-taught designer, Moormann built up his business in the remote German town of Aschau im Chiemgau. The company, also called Nils Holger Moormann, now designs and sells locally produced furniture by Moorman and other designers around the world.

Custombus camper van by Nils Holger Moormaan

In 2009, Moormann also opened a guesthouse in Aschau im Chiemgau called Berge.

Custombus camper van by Nils Holger Moormaan

"I designed every detail with my crew from the company," said Moorman in a movie filmed by Dezeen last year. "It was a big mountain to climb and therefore it's called Berge, which means mountain. I hope this is the right place to stay for young entrepreneurs."

Custombus camper van by Nils Holger Moormaan

The Moormann Camper bus can be purchased from Custom Bus, with price on request.