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Interiors
The bedroom of the production version Airstream Victorinox model aligns visually with the interior of the original 34-foot commercial trailer (RIGHT, TOP AND BOTTOM) commissioned by Victorinox in 2008.
TWO DESIGN ICONS JOIN FORCES
BY JODY BROTHERSTON, ASID he first Swiss Army Knife was introduced over a century ago, and the ingenuity, precision, and devotion to design and quality of that product have remained consistent since. Likewise, for almost eighty years Airstream has represented “adventure” with the same devotion to design and quality. So perhaps it’s only natural that a partnership should spring up between Airstream and Victorinox Swiss Army (VSA), first to design a unique 34-foot VSA Airstream for promotional purposes, and then a limited edition series of 19-footers. Like the legendary Swiss Army knife, the details of an Airstream are precise, clean and of a quality that will last a lifetime. The two icons also have another facet in common: recognition by the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The seeds of the partnership began when VSA met Airstream at the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City in 2008. The following winter, Scott Swaebe, Director of Visual Merchandising for VSA, worked closely with Airstream’s design and engineering department to develop a custom trailer based on the 34-foot PanAmerica. “This specific Airstream floor plan provided us the opportunity to incorporate all the custom elements needed, while maintaining the classic design of an Airstream. The inspiration for me was based on great iconic design, functionality, and quality inherent in both brands,” said Swaebe. Swaebe’s vision was shared with the talented engineers and production personnel at Airstream, who worked together in collaboration from ideation to execution, interpreting the vision while meeting the cost and functional considerations necessary to achieve a successful interior.
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Swaebe’s design criteria was multi-purpose, and the material finishes are exactly that. White Corian was used for the counter tops, providing a durable hard surface, easy to clean, in a light value which reflects light and adds an element of elegance. The glass display cabinets for knives and watches were custom designed for each item, and made in Europe to specifications. A dark laminate was used in the main cabinetry, providing a vertical and horizontal dark black value, which is an excellent surface for cleanability and contrast. The lavy door is a strong contrast in a custom shade of primary red, repeating the red color trim in the large clock on the wall. Red is also repeated in the awning which sets up the design element of repetition, and pulls the entire design together. All seating surfaces are covered in a dark value of Melton Wool, selected for its versatility of use in all climates. The stainless hardware and pulls were designed and manufactured in Europe. Glass display cases at the front of the Airstream hold an array of sparkling Victorinox Swiss Army timepieces, and large wall clocks are attached above the display and over the stainless basin. The Beauflor flooring has an engineered composite surface protection that is a specially developed blend of Ultragrip polymeric, ceramic, and mineral particles encapsulated in Multi Protect, a UV-curable polyurethane. This combination provides an extremely durable stain resisting surface with enhanced slip retardant properties. The light grey value in flooring expands the visual space of the interior, and is tougher, safer and easier to clean. The lighting is all custom halogens, placed to illuminate and
AIRSTREAM LIFE ONLINE EDITION • www.airstreamlife.com
WINTER 2010