MINI Cooper S Clubman meets Airstream Trailer, designed by Republic of Fritz Hansen.

Munich. After the successful unveiling of the new MINI Convertible this
spring, MINI dips its toe into the stylistic future of travel. Teaming
up with renowned brands Airstream and Republic of Fritz Hansen™,
the carmaker has embraced the theme of "mobile living" in
developing an innovative design study with a down-by-the beach feel.
The collaboration has spawned a unique combination of a 6.80-metre-long
Airstream trailer and a modified MINI Cooper S Clubman, one whose
appeal extends beyond the reaches of the watersports scene. Danish
furniture design brand Republic of Fritz Hansen™ has kitted the
iconic American travel trailer out with new interpretations of design
classics and given both the trailer and the MINI a revamped look from
the wheels up. Details include the use of surfer-dude
"wetsuit" neoprene, fresh colours and flower prints, and the
option of opening up the trailer on one side and making yourself
comfortable on a built-in sun-bathing bed. This mobile "home from
home" feeds that mythical dream of surfing and watersports
enthusiasts: always hunting for the perfect wave, at home anywhere
around the world. It must be the ultimate fusion of design and
function. Since it is not ordinarily available with a trailer
coupling, the MINI Cooper S Clubman had to be specially modified to
fulfil its role in this adventurous concept. The design study will be
unveiled to the public for the first time at the INTERNI Design
Energies exhibition taking place during the internationally renowned
Salone del Mobile furniture show in Milan on 22 - 27 April 2009. The
concept. The collaboration was underpinned by a passion for design and
an eye for detail shared by all three brands. Mobility and the
interaction with nature provided a twin-pronged focus for their
endeavours. The world of watersports and the yearning of surfers for
absolute freedom and harmony with their surroundings offered the
perfect inspiration for the design study. The design. The trailer
and the MINI form a single unit. Their design is a clear nod to the
aesthetics of watersports and the materials used by those involved.
Airstream trailer. The trailer allows you to experience every corner of
the earth within your own four walls. Inside, fresh takes on design
classics by Republic of Fritz Hansen™ help you get your breath
back after an encounter with the waves. The SuperellipseTM table,
ringed by four Series 7TM chairs, makes an ideal venue for a team
snack, while a pair of SwanTM chairs in the corner offer an additional
relaxation space. 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.
Elsewhere, an electric motor allows one side of the trailer to be
folded down. This reveals the integrated "daybed", an
invitation to take in some rays if ever there was one. Mild summer
evenings by the trailer are also something to be enjoyed at every
opportunity, of course, and two EggTM chairs and a side table have been
specially developed for the job in hand. Meanwhile, neoprene accents on
the outer walls of the trailer are another salute to the sport of
surfing. MINI Cooper S Clubman. The design of the MINI distinguishes
itself through the clean lines and the intensive green trim. The design
of the Airstream trailer matches that of the MINI Cooper S Clubman thus
creating a uniform overall picture. As ever, the devil is in the
detail, with the wetsuit effect added to the roof, below the bumpers
and on the side of the car. Plus, green trim can be found on the window
moulding, headlights, bonnet and radiator grille surround. These
elements are complemented by the contrasting white of the exterior
mirrors, wheel rims, side panels and bonnet stripes. Taken as a whole,
this car is every inch beachside eye candy. A special roof rack offers
secure transportation for the surfboard in Republic by Fritz
Hansen™ design and is sure to be a hit with anyone heading for
the waves. The impressive details continue inside the car. Neoprene
makes another appearance on the seats, dashboard and side panelling,
among other places, while the rear seat bench has been removed and the
boot stripped out. For any watersports addict with a storage problem,
the four specially made securing shells with purpose-built mounts for
sports kit will represent unbridled luxury; diving gear, including
flippers, a mask, wetsuit and oxygen tanks, can all be integrated here.
"At MINI we have a long and, above all, successful tradition of
collaborations," explains Dr Wolfgang Armbrecht, Senior Vice
President Brand Management MINI. "We like to work with brands
which share our passion for design. Collaborations fire our creativity.
With the "MINI and Airstream, designed by Fritz Hansen"
concept, we are looking to show our customers new and innovative angles
for the MINI Clubman and to cast a visionary eye into the mobility of
the future." For further information on the project go to http://www.MINIspace.com.