Eco Campervan Conversion Using Thermafleece Cosywool with Rosie Sherwood

When we saw Rosie purchasing cosywool insulation from us, along with a Novia vapour control layer, we had to get in touch and find out what her project was about. We were excited (and a little bit jealous!) that she is in the process of converting a van into a campervan. It can be a little bit daunting starting a project like this, and there is SO much information online it can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. Below we discuss how her first-time experience of undertaking a project like this is going and any tips she may have for other campervan-DIYers!

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you started

I am an artist and writer, I am an artist whose work currently engages with the climate crisis, rewilding, and our relationship with nature. I am currently the UK’s first Blue Carbon Artist in Residence, creating an installation on seagrass for the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth that will open in July.

We all know the pure enjoyment of staying in a campervan, what made you want to convert a van to a campervan?

Like many Covid and lockdown turned my life upside down. My work froze, my creativity suffered. In this moment of enforced stillness, I was able to take time to reflect, to plan, and to have a single life-changing idea: to buy and convert a panel van into my dream home.

This seemingly simply idea, had by many before me, opened a new world of possibilities. I love this planet and the only thing I remember wanting to do when I grew up was to travel it. A tiny home on wheels will allow me to do this, to explore, to learn, and to make art. I’ve never wanted a traditional home and couldn’t afford one even if I did. Converting a van gives me the kind of home I do want, one where every time I open the door I am somewhere new, with new inspirations waiting. To me, that’s what travelling in my van is going to be. The chance to get close to the world, to make art, and to do it all from the comfort of my nest.

What struggles have you had converting it into a camper so far, any tips for the readers?

I have never done anything like this, so everything is new and presents a new set of struggles. So far my biggest one has been taking out the floor. It was incredibly well made and ripping it out was complicated, time consuming and a little heart breaking. In the end though it was worth it. It gave me a chance to check for rust and to put in a new, fully insulated floor instead.

My biggest tip so far is to find people you can trust for advice and guidance. These could be people you know, or people online. There are some great online resources, blogs, YouTube channels and books out there. There are also generous electricians and mechanics, plumbers and carpenters who are likely to be interested enough to answer a question or two.

What made you want to work with Thermafleece cosywool insulation in the van?

I wanted something sustainable, eco-friendly, healthy and long lasting. I also wanted something easy to work with. From all the research I did sheep’s wool seemed the only logical answer. From there it was a question of finding somewhere that made what I needed. Celtic Sustainables wonderfully shared the experiences and advise of other van lifers. This made it easy to know what I should be getting, how I might use it, and that I was buying the right thing.

How did you find the installation of the cosywool?

I am deep in the installation process now and loving it. It is so easy to use, can be done with my hands and smells incredible. Even in a space as weirdly shaped as a van using the cosywool is easy because its so adaptable. Plus, I feel like I am filling my van with something wonderful, that is going to keep me cosy for many evenings to come.

How did you find Celtic Sustainables and is being sustainable important to you?

I found Celtic Sustainables through Google, looking for somewhere UK based that made sheep’s wool insulation that could be used in vans.

Being sustainable is one of my highest priorities. As an artist whose work centres on the environment and climate crisis I am deeply invested in trying to walk as softly as I can on this wonderful planet. As the van will need gas and diesel its important to me that I be as sustainable as I can in as many other areas as possible.

What other environmentally friendly features does the van have?

My van will have solar panels for all my electrics, I am using as much upcycled wood as I can from old bits of furniture and other sources, and I won’t be using any chemicals living in the van so that my grey water is non-toxic. I am also excited to be using eco-friendly paints throughout, to be getting a composting toilet from the amazing Strumpet and Trollop.

What other features does your van have?

As I plan to be living in my van full time it will have a shower, loo, fridge, oven, heating, table, seating, and a platform bed. Unlike others who store their mountain bikes or surf boards under the bed, mine will have space for my sculpting tools, cameras and other artistic supplies.

Do you use any of our other products? Like the Breather membrane, or the Treatex for woodwork?

I have the vapour barrier ready to use, and plan to get my paints from Celtic Sustainables!

What are your plans for the future?

My first plan when the van is complete is to meander my way towards Scotland. I live in Cornwall, and my sister in Edinburgh so it should be a fun journey. After that I have too many plans to know where to start, but I am sure my creative drive will lead me to my next art project.

And most importantly… I’m going to get a dog!

To follow Rosie's adventures visit her website

She also offers a subscription newsletter, where she'll be updating her campervan journey (and also articles about rescuing seals!) 

For other campervan conversions using sustainable insulation do check out our  Instagram "tagged" feed (we just love being tagged in your builds) and our Celtic Sustainables facebook page.

Note: Rosie decided to use a quality Vapour Barrier for her project (which when installed correctly will stop any moisture from getting through to the cavity). Other customers have chosen to use a Breather Membrane which also has the benefit of releasing any moisture that may get trapped in the cavity. If you would like to discuss your eco insulation and lining options, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Another really useful article is our Eco Campervan Conversion – Insulating your Campervan hints and tips from other users!

If you order slightly too much insulation for your project, check out this post: 6 thrifty uses for left-over insulation to see if there is another place you can put it to good work