Two icons of classic American design have just been brought together for the first time. The latest from Airstream partners with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation to create the Usonian Limited Edition travel trailer. A model that blends Airstream’s shining exterior with Wright-inspired interior design.
The Nicest Trailer the 1950s Never Made
Even if you’re not a fan of design, Airstream trailers and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian homes scream mid-century aesthetic. Well, more accurately, they politely proclaim it. Although they had different goals — Airstream says founder Wally Byam wanted you to take your home anywhere, while Frank Lloyd Wright wanted your home to blend with its landscape — both are legends.
On the outside, this travel trailer (call it the Airstream FLW Usonian) is largely standard Airstream. The 28-foot travel trailer is riveted aluminum and, like most of the rest of its models, looks like a slightly rounded-off tube.
There are some Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired details on the exterior. A gold rub rail brings some of the interior’s warmth to the outside. It also comes with a badge in Wright’s signature red. The awning is heathered cream and an homage to the canvas rooftops of Wright’s Taliesin West home in Arizona.
Inside Radiates With Mid-Century Design
Step inside and the Airstream FLW Usonian reveals its warmth. Dark wood finishes for the furniture, cabinets, and shelves draw you in. Wright’s signature Gordon Leaf pattern on the inside door, and even on the shower entry, link the trailer to Wright’s home designs.
Other Wright-inspired design elements include the table and the separate desk. Even the chairs, which are also collapsible, incorporate Wright’s designs.
For the kitchen, Airstream reached into the Wright Foundation archives. It was styled based on a mobile kitchen concept he created in 1939, with open shelving and a desert-inspired color palette.
Classic Wood & Glass, But Modern Interior
The Airstream FLW Usonian has 29 windows, two of which are new for this model and required moving the overhead storage. They light up the interior much like the windows in one of Wright’s home designs.
Modern without the mid-century features include LED lighting, a 2,000W inverter, and a dual-ducted A/C with a 30,000 BTU ducted furnace. It also has a convection microwave and 300 W of solar power charging.
Airstream Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Trailer Will Be Very Special
Airstream’s design means the trailer has a GVWR of 7,600 pounds. That might be a bit much for your 1961 Ford Country Squire to tow, even with its 6.4L V8. But it’s just right for going behind one of the best towing SUVs like an Audi Q8.
Airstream is only building 200 copies of the Airstream FLW Usonian travel trailer. Pricing starts from $184,900. Not cheap, but a bargain for anything you can live in with the Frank Lloyd Wright name on it. Airstream and the foundation will also sell a line of home goods and gifts inspired by the collaboration.
