Riding the Waves of Sustainability:
Matt Bell's Solar-Powered Volkswagen ID. Buzz Campervan
Free-spirited surfer, Matt Bell has been turning heads all along the dramatic coastal roads of Cornwall with his eco-friendly approach to the campervan lifestyle.
His adventures began when he purchased a Volkswagen ID.Buzz and transformed it into a solar-powered camper, creating a harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology and environmental consciousness. Let's dive into his uniquely vibrant journey.
The exterior of Matt's ID.Buzz reflects his passion for both sustainability and artistry. The stunning custom wrap, initially created by Zee van Gils, a Dutch born artist living in Cornwall and specialising in seascapes, not only adds a personal touch, but also serves as a canvas for promoting the beauty of eco-friendly living. Applying her unique artistic approach, usually reserved for surfboard design, Zee’s organic imagery depicts the energy, power and majesty of the sea.
Local company, Cornish Print, brought the artwork to life before the skilled hands of Bogdan and Elena applied the wrap, turning Matt's camper into a rolling masterpiece.
Matt’s vision was to create the 'Surf Van of the Future' and for it to be executed as a piece of art. So, moving inside, whilst it was important to maximise the use of space, preserving the aesthetic was of equal importance. After a lot of research, Matt decided to work with the team at Love Campers whose meticulous eye for detail, as well as craft skills, stood out from the crowd.
James, Love Campers resident woodwork magician, created the ID.Buzz’s interior bamboo detailing, worksurfaces and cupboards. Striking a perfect balance of form and function, the coving detail in the cabin frames the whole interior perfectly.
But it's not all about looks. What really sets Matt's campervan apart is its dedication to clean energy which shines through in every detail. Integrated solar panels, considered best-in-class, adorn the roof, allowing the ID.Buzz to charge its battery while Matt rides the waves. As long as the sun, as well as the surf is up, then fully sustainable energy is being generated.
Inside the ID.Buzz, the smart home technology seamlessly integrates with Apple HomeKit, offering an unparalleled level of connectivity. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves, and with a simple request to Siri, checking the surf conditions. Every on-board appliance, from the induction hob for cooking to the LG drawer fridge for storing fresh produce, is part of the Apple HomeKit ecosystem, enabling Matt to monitor energy usage efficiently while off the grid.
The use of sustainable materials within its design and manufacture, both at the factory and during its customisation, also helps to minimize waste.
Helped by its large battery, the van's design is centred around the concept of providing and storing clean energy, so charging electronic devices is a breeze, and the ID.Buzz supports wireless charging for all compatible devices as standard.
Cooking in the van is as convenient as at home thanks to the induction hob that delivers the same power as you’d expect in any modern kitchen. A hot shower with up to 60°C water temperature is made possible by the instant hot water tap which has an integrated digital temperature display.
The van also helps to keep Matt healthy and happy while he’s on the road. Ample wardrobe space neatly accommodates his robes, wetsuits, towels, and clothes and an on-board icemaker allows him to start his day with refreshing shakes and smoothies, promoting a wellness-centred lifestyle wherever he goes.
Matt's ID.Buzz is so much more than a mere vehicle; it's a statement of guilt-free, zero-compromise, zero emission living – a surfer's paradise on wheels, that encapsulates the spirit of adventure while championing environmental responsibility. As he rides each wave along the Cornwall coast, every mile becomes a celebration of the fusion of technology and nature, proving that sustainability and a love for open road living can go hand in hand.
