Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), in collaboration with cabin manufacturer Nokken, has unveiled a new design for the outdoor hospitality sector: the Softshell. The structure, described as a two-story tent, combines luxury glamping with sophistication.
The Softshell is intended for use as a garden studio, guest accommodation, or personal retreat. It features a timber frame and is made from weather-resistant canvas, available in multiple colors. An optional insulation layer can be added for use in colder climates.
The tent-like structure offers an optional exterior deck and a relatively simple, spacious interior layout, measuring 18 square meters. Suggested interior features include a sofa bed, a small wood-burning stove, and a storage area with a bedside table.
A ladder leads to an upper floor, designed with netting similar to that seen in the Mina tiny house by Baluchon. This upper area can serve as additional storage, a hangout space, or a sleeping loft.
While the Softshell is marketed primarily for glamping sites and boutique hotels, it is also available for individual purchase.
James Van Tromp, co-founder of Nokken, highlighted the design’s blend of architectural sophistication and flexibility. “With the Softshell, we’re offering the hospitality industry something that stands apart from traditional tented structures,” he told New Atlas.
“It merges the design sophistication of permanent architecture with the flexibility of a temporary solution, catering to guests who want to be immersed in nature, but with the design aesthetic and level of comfort they would expect in a luxury hotel.”
The Softshell is available for pre-order at a starting price of $22,500, with initial deliveries expected by mid-2025. This new structure follows BIG’s previous release of the A45 cabin in 2018, further expanding the firm’s portfolio in the small shelter market.
The A45 cabin, also developed by BIG, is a striking prefabricated dwelling that incorporates sustainable materials and a minimalist design. The cabin, which is currently installed in Upstate New York, has a triangular form inspired by the classic A-frame, offering 183 square feet of interior space.
Featured image by Nokken and BIG via the-nokken.com
