Airstream has been bringing the dream of going mobile to life for over 80 years. The distinctive aluminum trailer was futuristic when it was first released, and today represents a potent combination of nostalgia, adventure, and even modernist minimalism. The company recently announced its newest model, the Airstream International Sterling, designed by Christopher C. Deam, is being produced. Its slogan is minimalist design—maximum functionality, and that sounds like music to our ears. Airstreams are handcrafted individually, and the new Sterling has yet to hit the streets, but Airstream has wisely teased us with some concept photos from the 2012 prototype, featuring textiles from Chicago's Unison in a very contemporary interior.

What's particularly interesting about this collaboration is that it's been over a decade in the making. After creating a few custom prototype Airstreams for other clients, Deam (who happens to be married to Lara Hedberg Deam, the founder of Dwell) began consulting with Airstream and suggested a new interior look. Airstream was interested, but wasn't planning on changing its one-at-a-time, handbuilt production methods. Finally, a Deam Airstream is coming to market. The timing might be good. It feels as if the market may just be ready for an Airstream with a truly modern interior.

Video / Deam talks about his first redesign of an Airstream trailer in 2002.