Having flipped 11 houses—and lived in all of them—in the span of a decade, Annie Jomphe and Martin Readman of Canada–based design/build firm Sitka Concept are used to getting their hands dirty to finish a job. So, when the couple discovered that a 1976 Airstream Land Yacht they purchased sight unseen was more run-down than anticipated, it wasn’t enough to shake their resolve.

The dynamic duo rolled up their sleeves and—with some help from Martin’s father—spent three months to transform the decrepit vehicle into a comfortable and stylish home for their family of five.

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“We thought about making every inch of space efficient, organized, and easy to access,” Annie explains, noting that achieving a sense of airiness was important to the family. “We designed the Airstream regarding the possessions we had to put in, so everything has its dedicated place.”

To comfortably fit five people into 200 square feet of space, Annie and Martin rearranged the existing layout and introduced an entirely new floor plan anchored on one end by the living spaces and on the other end by the master bedroom.

The couple incorporated space-saving tips gleaned from living on a sailboat for two years—including ample hidden storage and moveable furnishings. Custom furnishings, such as a foldout dining table and cabinetry that sits snug against the curved walls, were essential for maximizing space and achieving a streamlined look. The family also takes care to avoid overloading the shelves and cupboards to maintain an airy and spacious atmosphere.

The bathroom, a work desk, and three beds—two bunk beds on one side and a single bed on the other—with integrated storage are located in the middle of the Airstream.

“‘Peanut’ is our first Airstream restoration,” the couple says. “We are quite proud of the results and have bought two different Airstream trailers in the last week for restoration. We are so eager to start.”

Related Reading: Before & After: A Classic Airstream Becomes a Modern Airbnb

Project Credits:

Design/Build: Sitka Concept / @sitkaconcept

Upholstery: Concept Genesys

Photography: Monica Jackson

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A Gleaming Airstream Borrows Space-Saving Tips From Boat Design