Nokken x BIG
Danish design studio BIG and cabin manufacturer Nokken have partnered to create Softshell, a timber-framed tent designed as a sustainable and mobile accommodation option for eco-resorts and glamping sites.
With a focus on minimizing the environmental impact of infrastructure in remote natural areas, Softshell is intended to be easily transportable and assembled by its owners, offering a low-impact solution for temporary lodging.
The tent will feature a glued-laminated timber (glulam) frame, with two levels wrapped in a durable cotton-blend canvas. This design is a significant departure from traditional mobile accommodations, blending portability with the durability and design sophistication typically seen in permanent structures.
“Softshell redefines what a mobile accommodation can be,” said Nokken co-founders Nathan Aylott and James van Tromp. “It combines the simplicity of a traditional tent with the longevity and design quality of a more permanent structure. Our collaboration with BIG has resulted in a product that brings together functionality and elegance in a way that's truly innovative.”
The Softshell tents will have a square base measuring 4.2 meters wide, with a pitched roof rising to 4.75 meters in height. An additional 2.1 meters of floor space will be provided by a deck at the entrance. Designed with minimal impact on the landscape, the Softshell aims to be a perfect fit for businesses like eco-resorts and glamping sites, enabling them to preserve the natural surroundings while offering unique, eco-friendly accommodations.
Its lightweight, mobile frame also makes it ideal for homeowners looking for a garden studio or guest space. "Many hospitality clients face challenges like difficult access or strict construction regulations," said Aylott and van Tromp. "Softshell addresses both. Its timber components are lightweight enough to be carried to remote sites, beyond the reach of trucks or cranes, and canvas structures often face fewer regulatory hurdles than traditional buildings."
The shelter will be supported by a modular timber foundation, allowing it to adapt to various landscapes without requiring invasive groundwork. "The modular foundation ensures that we leave no lasting footprint," said Aylott and Van Tromp. "This is central to our commitment to sustainability—no excavation, no disruption to the environment."
Once disassembled, Softshell leaves no trace, making it suitable for sites that prioritize environmental preservation. The structure can be relocated and reused without causing lasting damage to the land.
Currently, Softshell prototypes are being tested in Canada, and the product will be available for order with deliveries expected in summer 2025.