While this trailer was not designed by Frank Lloyd Wright himself, it could well have been. This travel trailer, created by the famous American manufacturer of campers and trailers, Airstream, in collaboration with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, was inspired by the great master of organic architecture.

Unveiled recently and available in only 200 numbered units, the Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition blends two American design icons: the polished aluminium curves that have defined Airstreams' profile since 1931, and Wright's Usonian architecture, which prioritised spatial functionality, continuity between interior and exterior, and harmony between building and landscape. These are the elements with which Wright intended to revolutionise the American home of the 20th century.

Rather than paying mere tribute, which would probably have resulted in an awkward attempt at imitation, the Airstream designers collaborated with the architects of the FLW Foundation. Together, they unearthed a 1939 drawing from the foundation's archives: a prototype "mobile kitchen" designed by Wright that was never built. This food truck ahead of its time proved to be the starting point for designing the interior spaces of the trailer. The result is a travelling micro-architecture that speaks Wright's language but with a contemporary twist.

The sleeping area is located at the rear of the trailer for the first time, with two twin beds that can be converted into a king-size bed. A reconfigurable dinette at the front can be used as a living area, a study with a fold-away desk or an additional sleeping area by pulling out the sofa. Two chairs and a stool can also be folded away and neatly tucked into the wall cabinet.

Light is the absolute protagonist of this solution: with 29 openings, the model is 26% brighter than the previous Airstream camper.

Light is the absolute protagonist of this design, with 29 openings that make it 26% brighter than the brightest camper ever produced by Airstream. The glass surfaces have been designed to provide the best possible views when seated or standing, as in Wright's houses, but above all to accentuate the fusion of interior and exterior. "The driving principle behind the product itself, of course, is to get people out into nature," says Bob Wheeler, Airstream's president and CEO. "Frank Lloyd Wright designing his products to blend in with the natural surroundings where they were set. The approach of Wally Byron - the founder of Airstream - was to bring nature inside to the travel trailer with lots of windows, connect people to natural spaces even when they were indoors."
 

Wright's influence can also be seen in the details: the front door features the famous 'Gordon Leaf' motif, which was designed by Eugene Masselink, who was both Wright's student and collaborator. The colour tones used for the interior elements are inspired by the historic Martin-Senour palette, which was created by Wright himself in 1955 and immediately evokes the American landscape with colours such as mustard yellow, ochre, and red, which can be found in many of his most famous homes. These colours are balanced by more delicate shades of turquoise, blue, and green.

More than sixty years after his death, the American architect, who dedicated his life to transforming the American home, is now also being celebrated on the streets.

All photos: Airstream