With efficiency and aesthetics, Garnica leads the revolution in van conversions

In the exciting world of converting vans into homes on wheels, the choice of materials makes all the difference when it comes to transforming an average experience into an extraordinary one. Bespoke van renovator Vanpuravida converted two identical versions of a van: one using conventional plywood and another using Garnica’s Efficiency Poplar plywood. 

And the result was impressive: the van converted with Garnica panels is about 100kg lighter. This is a significant amount, considering that the maximum permitted weight for a conventional van is usually 3.5 tonnes. With a payload target of around 400kg for passengers, belongings and supplies, a saving of 100kg is a great deal.

But lightness wasn’t the only advantage that Vanpuravida discovered. The team also found significant improvement in the paint finish when using Garnica Efficiency Poplar. The exceptionally smooth and uniform surface translated into hours of saved work, offsetting potential additional costs with efficiency. 

The van's furniture also benefited from being made with Garnica plywood. Everything from sofas to overhead cabinets were crafted with Efficiency Poplar, a line of poplar plywood panels that is known for being incredibly light. The range was additionally used for wall, ceiling and door panels, demonstrating the panels’ versatility when it comes to interior van design. 

The Efficiency panels are easily machinable, another key element in terms of their durability and beauty. The improved aesthetics, achieved without excessive sanding, resulted in a smooth and attractive finish throughout the van interior. 

The versatility of the interior design was enhanced thanks to Garnica panels’ reduced weight, allowing additional features to be added based on customer requirements, such as awnings, roof racks and ladders.

This collaboration highlighted not only Garnica Efficiency’s lightness, but also its quality and ease of machining. In comparison to previous projects that used standard plywood, Vanpuravida noticed a significant improvement in CNC (Computer Numerical Control) cutting. 

Sustainability is another factor that is worth underlining. Garnica sources its poplar from sustainably managed tree farms in France and Spain. This not only contributes to the exceptional quality of the panels, but also ensures they meet all the required sustainability certifications and support the development of the rural areas where the tree farms are located. 

Vanpuravida was born out of a passion for van life and is inspired by the beauty and freedom of outdoor lifestyles. After building their first van in 2018, the Vanpuravida team decided to pull their skills and knowledge to create a business specialising in van conversions. 

The focus is on providing high-level, beautiful conversions that are bespoke and truly unique, having been meticulously designed to meet each customer’s tastes and requirements. Vanpuravida's vision extends beyond aesthetics: the team is committed to building vehicles that stand the test of time and prioritise safety. This commitment is reflected in the use of exceptional materials and collaborations with top brands, ensuring every project is defined by excellence.