As I began thinking through the design of this van, I was invited by my cousin to trek through the Himalayas in Nepal. As we stayed in each teahouse, I started to create a list of the things that seemed to matter to people living in small, off-grid homes.
While this van is a far cry from a Himalayan teahouse, I found myself returning to that list over and over. My “Teahouse List,” as it’s saved in my phone, gave me clarity for the project – permission to focus on the things that truly matter and ignore the noise.
This build features recessed insulation, stunning hickory panels, and matte-finish carbon fiber accents – all of which are engineered and meticulously handcrafted to conform to the shape of the walls, preserving the interior width. The design conceals 1.5 inches of closed-cell insulation with beautiful wood panels that are reminiscent of a warm wooden floor. It succeeds in both maximizing efficiency and achieving that spacious feel. You can stretch out, move freely, and truly feel at home.
A high-efficiency, mini split heat pump, mounted on the back door, provides both heating and cooling without taking up valuable roof space. This thoughtful placement not only makes the van more discreet in appearance, contributing to the “stealth” look, but also leaves the roof completely open, which allows for maximum solar panel capacity or other equipment to meet your specific needs.
A 5-foot-long sliding drawer, seamlessly integrated into the living area, adds remarkable functionality. When extended, it provides generous storage space that’s easily accessible for everything from pantry items to clothing or everyday essentials. When closed, it disappears into the design, maintaining the van’s clean lines and open flow. This balance of utility and minimalism creates an aesthetic that feels uncluttered yet highly practical.
Under the bed, a thoughtfully designed garage area maximizes functionality and storage. A 39-gallon water tank ensures plenty of capacity for extended off-grid adventures, complemented by a 4-gallon electric water heater for cooking and backdoor hot showers. The refrigerator is conveniently housed alongside two EcoFlow Delta Pro batteries that provide power throughout the van. An abundant and versatile storage space ensures that you can bring along any gear essential for your journey. The cabinet doors open fully, allowing for the transport of long items that can extend from the back of the van all the way to the front seats.
The kitchen is another standout feature – it feels like a real kitchen. Ample counter space and carefully considered proportions make it a pleasure to use. The microwave can also function as an actual oven or air fryer. The induction cooktop makes cooking a joy, whether you’re preparing a quick meal or an elaborate dinner. The swivel seats tie the entire living area together, transforming the van into a cohesive, welcoming space where you can relax, work, or share a meal with ease.
Kitchen
• Oversized, stainless steel sink with pull-down faucet
• Custom cabinets with latching drawers and doors
• Epic 5’x27″x9″ drawer with moveable dividers
• Dometic energy-efficient 12V/120V fridge/freezer combo
• Butcher block countertop
• Induction cooktop
• Microwave / air fryer / oven
Living area
• Spacious layout
• Swivel seats
• Countertop that doubles as desk
• RGB LED lights to set whatever mood you like
• Modified queen size bed (toe cut shorter)
• Unmodified full size bed
• Backdoor shower with hot water
• Composting toilet
Equipment
• High-efficiency, mini split heat pump
• 39-gallon freshwater tank
• 4-gallon electric water heater
• Aerogel and infrared insulation, ceiling
• XPS and infrared insulation, walls and floor
• 10,000 watt 12V to 120V inverter
• 400 amp custom high-output alternator
• Two EcoFlow Delta Pro batteries
• 800 watts solar and roof rack currently being added
