Rolling addition to Nokken
Danish design studio BIG and cabin manufacturer Nokken have collaborated to create Softshell, a timber-framed tent designed as a sustainable, low-impact accommodation solution for eco-resorts and glamping sites.
The goal of Softshell is to minimise the need for permanent infrastructure in remote natural settings. The tent is a portable structure, easily transported and assembled by its owner, offering a flexible alternative for temporary lodging.
Crafted with a glued-laminated timber (glulam) frame, Softshell features two levels and is enclosed by a cotton-mix canvas fabric.
"Softshell challenges conventional notions of mobile accommodations," said Nokken co-founders Nathan Aylott and James van Tromp. "It merges the portability and simplicity of traditional tents with the design sophistication and durability of a permanent structure." They added, "Through our collaboration with BIG, we’ve created something that feels both fresh and forward-thinking, combining elegance and functionality."
The tent's dimensions include a square base of 4.2 meters in width, with a pitched roof that rises to 4.75 meters. An entrance deck adds an extra 2.1 meters of floor space. The design prioritizes minimal environmental impact, making it ideal for eco-conscious hospitality businesses like eco-resorts and glamping sites.
Softshell can also serve as a garden studio or guest accommodation for homeowners.
"Many of our hospitality clients face challenges like remote locations or strict local building codes," said Aylott and Van Tromp. "Softshell addresses both challenges. Its timber components are portable, allowing access to sites beyond the reach of trucks or cranes, and canvas structures are often subject to less stringent regulations than permanent builds."
The shelter is supported by a modular timber foundation, designed to adapt to various terrains without causing lasting disruption to the landscape. "This foundation can be adjusted without any invasive groundwork," explained Aylott and Van Tromp. "It’s in line with our commitment to sustainability—no digging, no harm to the environment."
Once disassembled, the Softshell leaves no lasting imprint, making it perfect for locations focused on conservation. The tent can be relocated and reused without negatively impacting the site.
Prototypes of Softshell are currently undergoing testing in Canada. The tent will be available for order, with deliveries expected to begin in summer 2025.