Featured Van: Peter’s Custom Toyota HiAce Campervan

Peter is a photographer, and when work takes him away from home, he wanted a HiAce that could comfortably support both travel and time on the laptop — a space that felt calm, practical, and easy to live in. The result is a refined, highly considered conversion designed to work just as hard as he does.

Based on our Traveller-style layout, the interior balances openness with everyday functionality. In day mode, the seating area provides a genuinely comfortable place to sit, edit, plan, or unwind between shoots. At night, the cushions convert into a generous sleeping setup — as long as a double and as wide as a queen — offering real comfort for extended trips without complicating the layout.

A standout feature of this build is the custom birch ceiling, specified by Peter to soften the interior and enhance the sense of space. The light-toned birch reflects natural light and adds warmth without visual noise — an important detail for long work sessions and downtime alike.

Precision CNC-machined cabinetry is used throughout to maximise usable space without overwhelming the interior. Storage has been carefully planned for life on the road, with generous rear drawers and well-placed internal compartments to keep gear organised and accessible. Material choices were kept deliberate and understated, giving the space a cohesive feel that will age well over time.

The electrical system is designed to support off-grid work, using Enerdrive charging and inverter components paired with solar and lithium storage. An integrated AC transfer switch allows seamless switching between external power and inverter supply, so power is always available without manual changeover. The setup delivers dependable power for editing, charging camera gear, or settling in for longer stays.

A compact pull-out kitchen keeps meals simple on the road, while the fridge is positioned for easy access from inside or outside the van — well suited to quick stops between locations. Finishing touches like full insulation, quality flooring, and a restrained colour palette bring the build together into a space that feels considered rather than cluttered.

For Peter, commissioning a build from interstate was a big decision. Seeing the van come together exactly as planned — and knowing it now supports both his work and time away — made it a rewarding one. It’s a HiAce designed to be lived in, worked from, and trusted wherever the job takes him.