A German built a 45 kg wooden bike caravan with a solar panel, while a Moscow engineer has lived in a converted van for 15 years, saving on housing
Enthusiasts continue to create unusual homes on wheels. Two stories from Germany and Russia show different approaches to vanlife.
Bike caravan from Kirchheim
Jürgen Lutz from Kirchheim built a wooden caravan for his bicycle. The empty trailer weighs 45 kg, loaded up to 80 kg. The structure is made of lightweight poplar plywood and features a sleeping area, a kitchen block, and a solar panel. Lutz, a former prototype builder, created the caravan for trips on his e-bike and plans to attend a DIY caravan rally in 2025.
Van-dwelling in Moscow
Andrey Semyani, a road quality engineer at a road construction company, adapted a van for year-round living. He has been using it for 15 years for nature trips and work. The camper is equipped with a homemade bed, a washbasin, and a portable shower, allowing him to save on housing costs. He primarily uses his apartment as a storage for gear. In winter he goes out every weekend, in summer at the first opportunity.