Sprinter Van Conversion to Cozy Tiny Home by Cyrus Sutton

A simple van conversion is probably the most cost-effective way to road trip. Converting vans into habitable spaces for travelling has become so popular it even has its own hashtag on Twitter; “van life”. This Sprinter van has been transformed by filmaker and surfer, Cyrus Sutton.

 

Sprinter Van Conversion - Cyrus Sutton - View from Back Doors - Humble Homes

Sutton has been using modified vans since 2006. He’d been commissioned to make a 16mm documentary on surfing that required travelling from Australia to Los Angeles: “It was a practical decision. I’d been commissioned to make a 16mm surf documentary and failed to negotiate a living wage for myself during the three years it took to make it.”

 

Sprinter Van Conversion - Cyrus Sutton - Interior Bed Folded Away - Humble Homes

The solution to his problems was a Ford Econoline, which he used up until last year when he had the opportunity to purchase the more fuel-efficient Sprinter. The Sprinter is 14 feet long and 6 feet tall (4.3 and 1.8 meters respectively). Within that space Sutton’s managed to carve out a little home for himself.

 

Sprinter Van Conversion - Cyrus Sutton - Interior Bed Folded Down - Humble Homes

It’s not a luxurious high-end tiny house on wheels. Instead the focus is on function and practicality. There’s a small kitchen consisting of a propane stove, a refrigerator and a sink. A 5 gallon container of water can be pumped to supply the sink with water.

Sprinter Van Conversion - Cyrus Sutton - Study Desk - Humble Homes

There’s also plenty of under-counter storage for pots, pans and food. For sleeping, a bed can be folded down to rest on the lip of the kitchen units. Clothing and other small articles are stowed away in a series of hanging closets. Working (and relaxing) is catered for through the use of a neat hammock and desk combo.

Showering is accommodated by employing the rear van doors, a screen, and an overhead portable camping shower. Electricity is provided for through the use of solar panels and a marine battery. It’s a bit rough and ready, but it’s affordable and positively practical given his lifestyle.

For more tiny houses check out this tiny home on wheels called Chickadee. Or, Tinystream, a crossover between an Airstream and a tiny house. See all tiny houses.

Via TreeHugger
Photos: Cyrus Sutton

Niall Burke

Structural engineer by day, tiny house designer by night. Niall has a keen interest in small spaces, green design, and sustainability. He started developing Humble Homes while studying for his masters degree in engineering. He is the founder and managing editor of Humble Homes.

3 Comments
  1. I want to work with someone to help me design and build a tiny home. One on a trailer so I can be mobile. Niall are you the person I need to speak with?