11-2019 design

11-2019 design

Where to put the bathtub and second bed are stumping me.

This is the most recent idea.

In this design my bed remains in the back but moves over to the passenger side of the bus.

On the driver's side is the bathtub.

I'm finding the bathtub requirements difficult to plan around. I need a pan underneath for overflow. Because no matter how careful I am, at some point the water will rise over the top and I don't want a flood on the wood floor.

For draining, it's best if the bathtub doesn't move. Also the tub + water is a lot of weight so putting it on a platform doesn't make sense.

The other big challenge is that I need a deep soaking tub. That means sides of at least 24" - probably higher since I want 24" of water depth on my body. So with the drain hole at 24" the sides need to be at least 26".

Then the problem becomes I cannot put anything permanent on top of the tub. Otherwise moving stuff just to take a bath will be onerous.

I thought about putting a bed on top. But it would be high enough off the ground that I'd worry about someone forgetting the height and falling getting out of bed groggy.

Can't put up shelves because then it would be hard to get in and out.

I thought about a desk but the distance between the bed and tub is pretty narrow. Not even sure I can have the bed and tub in this position.

While I love this process, I am a bit frustrated with the tub position.

But I have solved the second bed issue. When I have a guest/driver staying overnight, I will have an ottoman that converts to a bed at the front of the bus. There can be a curtain from the front closet to the opposite side to make a separate area. I will add a curtain at the back of the bus from the tub to my bed to give me some privacy as well.

JOY has Arrived !!!!!

Been a long struggle to get her home but JOY, the wonderful school bus, has finally arrived.

She's as beautiful as her photos.


A few things she'll need:

A NEW FRONT DOOR

CLEANING AND ORGANIZING

CHECKING OUT THE LIFT

Can't wait to get started spending every day with her.

Designing the interior

Today I am sharing some different layout ideas. From the start of these designs I had to meet certain needs:
* bed for myself
* sleeping place for driver or visitor
* long work counter (or table)
* washer/dryer combo
* toilet
* comfy recliner chair for me (that rotates around)
* lots of storage
* keep 30" of space for wheelchair to get through all parts of bus

Still lots of other stuff to figure out. Here are the designs so far in the order of my thinking (most recent ideas are last). Ignore the comments on the edges of the designs.

Layout 1:  bed against short back wall, counter on driver's side, recliner and toilet on passenger side. PRO: easy to move around    CON: no 2nd bed or seating for driver/visitor

Layout 2: add 2nd bed at right angles to my bed. The second bed is higher so the foot of my bed goes under it. I added 2 cabinet/steps at the end of the 2nd bed so they can climb up into the bed.
PRO: 2 beds in small space; lots of open space. CON: top bunk can only be entered through the foot of the bed and up steps; 2 beds in small space.

Layout 3: Put 2nd bed at opposite side of bus with steps. Move my bed along the driver's side with my head next to the washer/dryer. Move the toilet to opposite behind the driver.
PRO: toilet is enclosed; 2 beds in small space. CON: up steps to foot of 2nd bed; no seat for 2nd person; 2 beds in small space; head of my bed is against washer/dryer.

Layout 4: removed the work counter and add a table to the passenger side of the bus.
PRO: 2 beds in small space; can have kitchen counter/table for eating. CON: tighter for moving around; 2 beds in small space; head of my bed is against washer/dryer.

Layout 5: Move toilet to the back of the bus. Add sofa bed behind the driver.
PRO: 2 beds in separate sleeping areas; private toilet area. CON: tighter to get around.

So much to think about. Still not got a plan I love. Will tape it all out when the bus gets here and see how it feels.