Naomi Bijlefeld and Remco Nooij of Camp en Co turn vans into tiny rolling residences that are models of minimalist plywood design. Their speciality came about thanks to a convergence of talents and interests: Remco worked for his uncle’s camper business and has carpentry skills, and Naomi, a graduate of Design Academy Eindhoven is an experienced product and interior designer. They have three young kids and like to roam the Dutch countryside themselves in a tricked-out van. Which is how they started designing their own and offering their services.
They initially created entirely custom camper interiors, but, Naomi says, “grew tired of reinventing the wheel,” so they came up with four modules that can be slotted into Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, and Citroen Jumper vans. Camp en Co is now a full-time venture for the two. We especially like their capsule collection of carefully detailed on-the-go accessories, even a tissue case, all of which are made by various workshops in the Netherlands and available à la carte. Their camper clients are all in Europe, but Naomi and Remco also offer plans that enable handy people near and far to customize their own rides.
Photography by WijzijnKees, unless noted, all courtesy of Camp en Co (@camp_en_co).
Above: At a campground on the grounds of an estate in Drenthe, Naomi and Remco outfitted a Peugeot Boxer van, with, among other things, a Camp en Co weatherproof awning designed to fit all campers, caravans, and 4WD vehicles with roof rails.
Above: A checked linen tote from Dutch line Studio Slow and Camper en Co’s signature roller blind.
Above: Remco custom panels the camper interiors in birch plywood. This one is the Camp en Co Common L2 for four people. The fixed bed is in the back with storage tucked underneath. Camp en Co’s bedding is from By Mölle, mohair blankets included. The checked linen pillow is another Studio Slow design: read about the fabric in Resurrecting a 1908 Cottage: A Young Couple’s Weekend DIY.
Above: There’s more built-in storage surrounding the bed. “We have special handles that prevent doors and drawers from opening while driving,” explains Naomi. “We also have dividers in drawers and cabinets to prevent sliding. Because everything is made of wood, you don’t hear any rattling while driving.”
Remco and Naomi even manage to fit in a Boxio composting toilet in a drawer opposite the bed: “works perfect,” Naomi reports. And there’s an outdoor shower and extra faucet that gets set up by the back door.
Above: A back-seat glimpse of the kitchen. The stainless steel Petromax tea kettle is made for camping and can also be used over an open fire. That’s a Camper en Co laundry bag on the back of the seat.
Above: The compact kitchen setup includes a two-burner gas cooktop and sink (two jerry cans underneath hold fresh water and collect waste water). There’s also a fridge drawer concealed behind a wooden panel. The portable light is Fat Boy’s Flamtastique XS Oil Lamp.
Above: Camp en Co’s wooden bowls are hand-turned by Bob Krijnen, who also makes their wooden hooks. Naomi advices using tea bags as on-the-go buffers for fragile items.
Above: A foldable bamboo table expands the dining options.
Above: A Camp en Co camper surrounded by woods and water in Drenthe. Naomi’s favorite folding chairs by EOE (Eifel Outdoor Equipment) have beechwood frames and canvas seats: “not only beautiful but incredibly comfortable.” Note Camper en Co’s Stepping Stone crate, a combination step and supply box. Photograph by Beetje.
Above: To explain their approach, Naomi and Remco like to quote Albert Einstein: “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” Photograph by Beetje.
More camp life specials:
- Gone Camping: Our Editors’ Favorite Outdoor Essentials, Design Edition
- The Art of Airstream Living with Heidi Swanson of 101 Cookbooks
- On the Go in an Airstream: Outdoor Living with Heidi Swanson
- Seating to Go: Italian Collapsible Designs for Indoors and Out
- Spot House Farm: What Happens When a Textile Designer Creates a Campsite
