Is this the future of caravanning?

SWEEPING organic lines, expandable living space and an integrated awning and sun deck. It may sound like the design spec for a trendy apartment - but these features have all been integrated into the 'caravan of the future'.

Unveiled at the National Caravan and Outdoor Leisure Show at the NEC, the Cargo S is the product of a major national competition organised by the Caravan Club as part of its Centenary Celebrations.

It's a daring design whose dramatically curved outline towers above the more conventional caravans around it. But it's the interior which is perhaps the most innovative aspect of the design - it's part caravan, part trailer tent and part tardis.

The principal bedroom area is at the front of the 'van sitting underneath a huge picture window made from darkened privacy glass which is virtually opaque from the outside. A pull-out bunk section - similar to those found on big American motorhomes - on the nearside provides additional sleeping space without compromising the living space. Moving back, there's a combined shower and WC housed within a compact washroom ahead of a spacious offside kitchen area, which incorporates what can only be described as a breakfast bar.

The piece de resistance, however, sits out back, where the curved rear panel lifts up like a car tailgate and an extendable section of floor slides out to form a sun-deck which can either be open to the elements or closed off by an integrated awning.

Competition judge Wayne Hemingway, a keen caravanner and head of fashion label Red or Dead, said: "The winning entry certainly hits the spot ...it's cool, modern, aspirational, head-turning and takes caravans into the 21st century without destroying the intrinsic qualities of a traditional caravan."

Despite its generous proportions, without essential services, the Cargo only weighs 1500kg - although it's not 'street legal' for towing purposes.

It was built by a special project team at Bailey Caravans and like a concept car at a motor show, it's unlikely that you'll ever see the Cargo S on a campsite or on the road, but it created a huge amount of interest at the show.

Bailey director Nigel Mattfield, who oversaw the build process, said: "We've been delighted to be involved in this project for The Caravan Club, as it has really allowed us to push the boundaries in terms of caravan prototyping and construction techniques."

The 'Caravan of the Future' competition was launched back in 2005 and attracted entries from more than 300 people - ranging from sophisticated 3D multi-media productions to sketches on the back of an envelope. Everyone from professional automotive and architectural designers to teams of school-children took part.

The winners of the competition were Bristol-based duo Paul Burchill - (Stride Treglown architects), and Hervé Delaby - a freelance industrial and interior designer.

Paul designed the futuristic yet highly functional interior of the Cargo S, and Hervé designed the innovative and eye-catching exterior of the vehicle.  The pair shared the first prize of £20,000.

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