Reparadise
Reparadise is a fabrication shop in Salt Lake City that has historically specialized in the restoration of vintage Airstream trailers. I partnered with Reparadise as a project manager and fabricator in the middle of the pandemic "van life" craze in order to help their production keep up with demand. I helped decrease build time by creating a line of modular cabinets that could be manufactured in bulk then installed in-house, which were later flat-packed and sold online to be installed by DIY camper enthusiasts at home. While working at Reparadise, I learned a lot about finish carpentry, as I designed and built storage solutions, installed countertops and backsplashes, and upholstered interior walls and ceilings. Through this experience, I gained a better understanding of the relationship between designs on paper and the actuality of the construction of these elements, particularly in small and often unconventional spaces.
Modular Cabinetry
In order to keep up with the high demand of Sprinter van builds during the pandemic, Reparadise needed to cut down on its in-shop build time. I piloted a project to do this by documenting the cabinetry that I was custom-building and then altering it in ways to make the design more universal. I then found a cabinet manufacturer in Salt Lake City that I worked with to turn my construction drawings into a line of modular cabinets for use in Sprinter vans. The cabinetry can be arranged in many ways and in very different layouts, as shown in the two van builds below.
Custom Build 1
I was both the project manager and head carpenter for this prototype build, and with no set client, I was able to determine the layout. This build was the first time the manufactured modular cabinetry I designed was used in a Reparadise vehicle, and the van was my baby from the beginning. The van started as just an empty Sprinter shell, but thanks to the use of my pre-fabricated cabinetry design, the build was finished in just six weeks. While completing a total van build in six weeks is virtually unheard of, no details were spared. The use of consistent hardware and high-quality products, combined with thoughtful craftsmanship, amazing woodworking, complete with a teak shower inset to be flush with the floor made this an amazing living space.
Custom Build 2
Unlike the build above, this build had two great clients that I worked with as project manager and head fabricator to make their dreams a reality. This van is very unique, it has an aluminum shower with no visible fasteners and is inset into the floor of the van so that no headroom is sacrificed, a dinette that transforms into a bed, a custom coat cabinet, and an amazing black walnut ceiling. From installing flooring, to upholstering the walls, to installing cabinets, and the walnut ceiling I fabricated this van as well as managed a team that installed the plumbing and electrical. I am very proud of this build and the hard work that went into making it a reality.
