Trailers, shipping containers, and garages are commonly turned into fully-functional tiny homes. So, why not a 1959 Chevrolet Viking bus? Architect Will Winkelman was set out to make it happen, and the end result is incredible.
Winkelman, an architect from Maine, was hired by the bus’ owners to transform the 1959 Chevy Viking into a camper, guest room, and transportation with seating all in one.
“Designed to safely travel 12 passengers and driver on the road, it converts to guest quarters for two as two single beds or joined in the center as a queen. Complete with plumbing (toilet and sink) and power,” it says on Winkelman’s website.
For the bus to be transformed, the entire body needed to be lifted off and completely restored. Winkelman used fabricated replacement parts or salvaged parts found online to bring the 1959 bus back to life.
The entire interior of the bus was transformed into a functional and comfortable living area. Every nook and cranny is usable space.
Winkelman says that he consulted with people in the boat-building industry for help designing and constructing the interior. The owners of the bus wanted “a funky, hippy, Moroccan vibe,” and he certainly delivered.
Underneath each retro-upholstered bench seat is hidden storage for goods to be tucked away and out of sight.
Using vintage-inspired fabric and white oak, the interior decor pays tribute to the bus’ old age.
“Quarter-sawn white oak felt like the right fit: not exotic, not trying too hard. It wants to be finely crafted and is evocative of the era,” Winkelman told Remodelista.
A small sink for the bathroom sits in the corner of the room. A vintage beaded lamp with a swinging arm provides light for the small home.
In tiny spaces like this, it’s important to always make room for storage. Underneath the sink is another cubby to store towels or other bathroom toiletries.
Looking toward the rear of the bus, you can see the small dining area.
The cushioned benches can be used as separate sleepers, or unfolded and pushed together to create a queen-size bed.
Open up the back doors of the bus to take in the views of the surrounding nature, and breathe the fresh air.
Even though the interior’s decor is wild and mismatched, everything seems to fit perfectly with the vintage bus’ story. The bus is spacious enough to fit plenty of friends and family.
It’s pretty unbelievable to think that the bus has gone from this…
To this…
Sleeping in a bus never sounded so good!
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