Facts:
Description:
the Architects
Text description by
The Camper House, designed by architect Dani Serrano, is an experimental project in Nicaragua that integrates a refurbished campervan into a larger, purpose-built wooden structure. Created with a small budget and simple construction methods, the cabin serves as a vacation shelter for surfers while exploring minimalist living.
The project's intention was to build an affordable, nature-infused dwelling by merging a travel trailer with a larger wooden construction. With minimal and primitive construction using basic tools, the design explores what is essential for a "magical holiday shelter".
The cabin is located in Aposentillo, a rural surfing village on Nicaragua's northern Pacific coast. After traveling down the Pacific Coast in search of the perfect wave, Serrano purchased a half-acre plot and began the project, which was partially inspired by a four-month period of living exclusively out of his camper.
The structure is built primarily from locally sourced teak wood and assembled with simple metal joints. A neighboring carpenter provided wood cuts, and a local welder fabricated the metal joist hangers.
The exterior features a gently pitched, corrugated steel roof that protects the home from the rain and allows for ventilation. The camper itself was detached from its truck and placed on stilts, becoming the home's bedroom.
The main living space, kitchen, and bathroom are housed within the new timber frame. A sliding teak and fabric partition allows the main living area to open entirely to the surrounding landscape, blurring the line between interior and exterior. The area beneath the raised camper is used for storage, primarily for surfboards. Windows on the back facade are covered by wooden panels that can be raised and lowered using ropes and pulleys.
Paper lanterns and spotlights inside the cabin cause it to radiate a warm glow at night, appearing like a lantern from the outside.
Project credits
Architect: Dani Serrano.
Builder/Collaborator: Tiemo Riediger, a carpenter and friend who assisted with construction.
Photography: Dani Serrano Studio.
Team
In This Project:
Presentation / Gallery:
.
Plans & 2Ds:
Materials Used:
More Projects by
Dani Serrano
About
Dani Serrano:
Dani Serrano is an architect known for his residential projects, particularly the Camper House in Nicaragua, which repurposes a camper van into a 240-square-foot tiny home surrounded by an open wooden structure. Since 2020, Serrano has been working independently in the Pacific north of Nicaragua, focusing on designs that connect with the landscape and climate using simple, local, and sustainable materials like teak. A passionate surfer, Serrano's work is influenced by his experiences in Central America, the Caribbean, and Bali. He approaches projects with a hands-on method, from inception to completion, and has since completed other bespoke projects, including a Courtyard House in Nicaragua.
