appa

client: florencia

RAM Promaster 2500 High Roof 159”

Florencia is a Ph.D. student at Arizona State University who wanted to downsize her living situation while finishing her doctorate. She’s studying the “human connection” and has written and held scholarly presentations on the effect of silence in different cultures, as well as nature’s effect on communicating negative emotions. Aside from her amazing research, she plays one heck of a handpan - a musical instrument made similar to a steel drum.

Appa (any Avatar: The Last Airbender Fans?) was built on a used RAM Promaster which Florencia sourced herself. Florencia wanted an earthy style, so she selected Stone Glacier tile, Centennial Oak flooring, and Offwhite/Sand Upholstery.

Her electrical system is top notch, with Victron components powering her “life on the road” including a 2000W Multiplus/Inverter, Orion DC-DC charger and a SmartSolar controller. 400W of solar keep Appa’s 300AH of house battery bank juiced up, no matter the conditions outside.

Appa’s water system includes 25 gallons of fresh water, a 7 gallon grey water tank, and a 2.6 gallon water heater to ensure Florencia has hot showers anytime she wants.

A butcher block counter and stainless steel sink comprise her kitchenette, and multiple drawers and cabinets throughout the van give Florencia the space she needs to live comfortably.

The layout of Appa, with a pull-out table and face-to-face seating, will give Florencia the opportunity to research, interview and work on her blog (http://shouldwetalk.com/) while she continues her education. She’ll have plenty of moments to experience silence, mountains, rivers and waterfalls. Appa is her new classroom.