Ronald Sponselee’s Copper Steampunk Teardrop Trailer
In a small workshop nestled in the town of Eindhoven in the Netherlands, designer Ronald Sponselee envisioned something extraordinary: a Steampunk-inspired teardrop trailer that was both a functional getaway and a masterpiece of design.
With his wife Nancy, daughter Amber cheering him on, and dog Boots overseeing the process, he set out to create a copper-clad wonder that would turn heads on highways and at campsites alike. What emerged after a year and a half of meticulous craftsmanship is nothing short of a mobile work of art.
Old World Meets New Adventure
Circular Dutch doors swing open to reveal a cozy space decorated with vintage maps and a transparent acrylic plate that floods the interior with natural light.
Step inside, and the trailer’s interior is a harmonious blend of old-world charm and modern craftsmanship. The cabin, brightened by a decorative lattice skylight, is lined with finely crafted cabinetry and fixtures.
Sponselee’s creativity shines brightest in the details. Atop the Lexan roof is what appears to be a wrought iron fence, but is, in fact, cleverly painted rubber doormats. This playful touch is emblematic of the ingenuity behind the project, blending lightweight practicality with whimsical design.
The sleeping quarters are a retreat of warmth and whimsy. Designed to accommodate two, they feature two lamps that enhance the trailer’s atmospheric glow. The space balances function and artistry, with wall-mounted cabinets providing storage without compromising style.
The Galley Kitchen: A Culinary Marvel
While most teardrop trailers offer modest cooking facilities, Sponselee’s kitchen galley elevates the experience to an art form. Nine drawers, each fitted with copper pipe handles, offer ample storage. Vintage maps line the kitchen, creating a stunning visual centerpiece.
While Sponselee’s design expertise was key, the project was a family affair. Nancy contributed her impeccable taste to the kitchen’s decorative elements, and Amber, their daughter, provided enthusiastic support along the way. Together, they transformed a simple concept into a creation that blends artistry, ingenuity, and functionality.
Nancy, with her eye for detail, adorned the space with golden cutlery, copper pans, and a matching kettle. Functionality wasn’t sacrificed for aesthetics; everything in the galley works as beautifully as it looks. From preparing meals to brewing coffee, every task feels like part of a grand Steampunk narrative.
A Vision in Copper
From the outset, Sponselee wanted a trailer that defied convention. Starting with the frame of a fold-out camper trailer, he sketched simple designs that captured the true teardrop shape—graceful curves with no straight lines.
The structure was crafted from plank wood, but the exterior shines with 0.5mm copper plates, giving the trailer a distinctive, industrial elegance.
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From Side Project to Showstopper
Sponselee is no stranger to intricate design. As co-owner of The Love Bird Co., a firm specializing in elaborate exhibition booths and trade show installations, he brought a wealth of experience to this personal project.
He began documenting the trailer’s build on social media in 2017, capturing the imagination of design enthusiasts around the globe. By 2018, the finished creation graced the cover of Cool Tears magazine, cementing its place as a standout in the teardrop trailer community.
Originally, the plan was to rent the trailer to holidaymakers. But as the project progressed, Ronald and his family grew attached to their Steampunk masterpiece. It became clear that this wasn’t just a business venture—it was a labor of love. The trailer is now a cherished family companion for camping adventures.
A Must-See Marvel
For those enamored with Steampunk aesthetics or clever design, Sponselee’s trailer is a must-see. His Instagram feed offers a behind-the-scenes look at the build, from sketches to the final copper-clad marvel. The project has not only brought joy to his family but also inspired countless followers worldwide.
As the Sponselee family sets off on their copper-wrapped adventures, visiting festivals and expos showcasing Ronald’s other creations, they leave behind a trail of wonder—a reminder that even the most practical items can be imbued with beauty and imagination.
Ronald Sponselee’s work includes laser cutting mandalas, logos, nameplates and decorative panels for the wall, all cut on order. The Love Bird Company website and online shop showcases his mandalas, tree of life, and zodiac designs, all beautifully designed and crafted by a true artisan.
What is Steampunk?
Steampunk is a captivating subculture and genre that blends the aesthetics of the Victorian era with speculative technology inspired by steam-powered machinery. Rooted in science fiction and fantasy, it envisions an alternate history where steam remains the dominant source of power, influencing fashion, architecture, and innovation.
Brass gears, leather straps, goggles, and intricately designed clockwork mechanisms are hallmarks of its visual style, often juxtaposed with elements of modernity like airships and futuristic gadgets. This aesthetic is frequently explored in literature, such as the works of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, which serve as foundational texts for the genre, as well as in movies, fashion, and even functional art pieces.
Beyond its visual allure, Steampunk serves as a creative lens for reimagining societal structures and exploring philosophical questions about progress and technology. It often critiques the industrial revolution’s excesses, presenting a world where craftsmanship and artistry prevail over mass production.
Steampunk communities thrive globally, gathering at conventions and events to showcase elaborate costumes, participate in maker challenges, and celebrate the fusion of past and future. This rich and imaginative genre continues to inspire artists, writers, and innovators, making it a unique and enduring cultural phenomenon.
Resources from our affiliate, Amazon
Building a Teardrop Trailer: Plans and Methods for Crafting an Heirloom Camper, by Tony H Latham, 2020
The Handmade Teardrop Trailer: Design & Build a Classic Tiny Camper from Scratch, by Matt Berger, 2020
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