In the last decade the motor caravan lifestyle has experienced a major surge in popularity. Statistics from the likes of the National Caravan Council in the UK, the Caravan and Camping Association in Australia, the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association and others all confirm that the caravan, motorhome and camping industry is the fastest growing domestic tourism sector. Market research in the United States shows the 900 recreational vehicle (RV) manufacturers generate a combined annual revenue of $10 billion.
To capitalise on this burgeoning market, design architects W2, in Christchurch New Zealand have launched the Romotow – the next frontier in mobile living.
“Often the negatives of campervans and RV‘s (compared with larger tents) are the expense and lack of covered transitional space. While looking at the movement of a Swiss army knife an idea came to us on how we could create this covered area. We then sketched a ‘mobile living’ unit that could be anything: a caravan, a mobile cafe, a home office, a weekend escape, or a new lifestyle of discovery and wonder for retirees – and from that moment the concept took on a life of its own,” director Matt Wilkie explained.
Features include aerodynamic and lightweight construction for increased fuel efficiency and towing stability, power assisted braking, pneumatic shocks, gyro assisted self-levelling pads and struts, and a rear mounted camera. Fit-out variations can include a sheltered BBQ deck area for entertaining and relaxing, a windbreak, sliding doors, louvered windows, stylish and easy clean furniture, and more.
