Adria Mobil
2020
In 2020, the Alpina, a longstanding caravan model, was due for an upgrade. Simultaneously, Adria Mobil was initiating the development of an entirely new motorhome line, aimed at couples seeking style, comfort, and a premium travel experience. We saw an opportunity — instead of treating these as separate projects, we proposed a new approach for Adria Mobil: to design both products together.
We always begin projects by defining the target market for each product. The goal is to build a unified vision from both a business and user perspective. This vision then guides the entire development process, serving as the cornerstone for all decisions, from planning the user experience to selecting materials and managing production costs.
One of our key principles for creating a cohesive and recognisable brand identity is visually unifying products. This project provided the opportunity to extend the visual parallels we had established in the luxury caravan range, with the design of Astella, to motorhomes as well. We identified the rear backlight in a linear composition as a unifying, signature feature across both caravans and motorhomes. The exterior design of the Supersonic was executed by DDS, who seamlessly integrated this design element. For the Alpina, we adapted the design language originally developed for the Astella, refining it to fit the rounded caravan shape.
Given the constraints of small interiors, clearly defined zones help create a feeling of order and coziness. For instance, in both products, the front space was designed to feel like a separate living room area. By carefully curating materials and using rounded shapes, we created a sense of enclosure while keeping the space connected and open.
To achieve an elegant, luxurious, and open environment, our focus was on creating visual order, simplifying shapes, and eliminating unnecessary details. This approach was especially evident in the kitchen countertops and cabinet surfaces, where we removed clutter and streamlined the design. This minimalist approach extended to practical improvements, such as the concave-shaped cabinets we originally designed for Alpina. These cabinets blend seamlessly into the ceiling, offering a more refined look while opening up the space by eliminating bulky forms at eye level.
A standout design element in Alpina is the cocoon-like lounge chair, designed in response to frequent user feedback about the need for separation in the limited space of RVs. This unique chair, which folds automatically, provides a comfortable and secluded space for reading and relaxation outside the bedroom.
By the time both Alpina and Supersonic were ready for market, they represented not only exceptional vehicles but also set a new benchmark for many competitor brands and marked a new level of collaboration for Adria Mobil. By connecting the two projects, we achieved faster development and standardised components and materials. This allowed us to increase the production volume of shared parts, which in turn makes procurement more cost-effective, all while strengthening the brand's recognition and identity.
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