April 23 2009   Source: MINI USA

MINI and Airstream Bring Big Style to Mobile Living

What happens when a Danish furniture designer mashes up a British motoring icon and an American travel icon? You get a custom MINI Cooper S Clubman pulling a very custom Airstream trailer. The designer duo is the work of Republic of Fritz Hansen, the funky furniture design brand from Denmark. The concept embraces the theme of "mobile living" with its down-by-the beach feel.

The iconic American travel trailer has been outfitted with surfer-inspired details that include wetsuit neoprene material, bold use of colors and flower prints. One side of the trailer can be opened up and used as a sunbathing bed. The floor of the trailer has a high-class yacht-deck wood panel look and the rear wall is decorated with floral prints and two surfboards halves, which double up as shelving. Hanging out by the trailer can be enjoyed thanks to a pair of Egg chairs and a side table that have been specially developed for the project. Neoprene accents on the outer walls of the trailer are another salute to the sport of surfing.

The design of the Airstream trailer matches the customized MINI Cooper S Clubman. The wetsuit treatment has been added to the roof, below the bumpers and on the side of the car. The car exudes a beachside attitude. A special roof rack securs the surfboard, also of Republic by Fritz Hansen design. The surfside details continue inside the car, where neoprene makes another appearance on the seats, dashboard and side panelling, among other places. The rear seat bench has been removed and the boot stripped out for additional storage. Four specially made containers serve as storage for specific aquatic activities - diving gear, including flippers, a mask, wetsuit and oxygen tanks, can all be integrated here. Since it is not ordinarily available with a trailer hitch, the MINI Cooper S Clubman has been specially modified for this concept.

The design study will be on display at the INTERNI Design Energies exhibition taking place during the internationally renowned Salone del Mobile furniture show in Milan on 22-27 April 2009.