NKN-Softshell - Semi-Permanent Prefab Cabin with Fabric Roof and Walls, Allow for Easy Transport and Assembly

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About Nokken
About Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG)

Project	NKN-Softshell
Architects	Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), Nokken
Area	18sqm (195sqft)
Outer Dimentions	4.2m (w) x 4.2m (l) x 4.6m (h)
Price	From € 18,950 / $ 22,500
Year	2024

Nokken and Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) collaborate on Softshell, a semi-permanent prefab cabin addressing the evolving needs of hospitality and residential markets. Combining architectural innovation with environmental responsibility, Softshell redefines mobile accommodations for eco-resorts, glamping sites, boutique hotels, and beyond. Softshell caters to a global shift toward experiential, eco-friendly travel, offering a low-impact structure that blends harmoniously with its surroundings. The lightweight sustainably sourced timber frame and recyclable canvas, produced in Spain, allow for easy transport and assembly in remote areas.

Nokken cofounder Nathan Aylott explains that the Softshell cabin, developed with BIG, is a direct response to the glamping market’s reliance on yurts and bell tents. “For the past fifteen to twenty years, bell tents and yurts have essentially become the default choice for new glamping sites,” he says. The Softshell offers an alternative — a structure instantly recognizable as a cabin but with a far smaller footprint than standard prefabricated buildings.

Each cabin is delivered in four compact crates, enabling operators to set it up without heavy construction equipment. Its assembly is deliberately simple: two people can erect the frame within a few hours by connecting precut timber sections and sliding them into metal fasteners. This modular approach allows the Softshell to be installed even in locations where traditional building methods are impractical.

Ecocapsule - 10 sqm (≈100 sqft) Off-The-Grid Portable Home by Nice Architects

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About Nice Architects

Ecocapsule is an off-the-grid portable home designed by Nice Architects and offering an unmatched dwelling experience. With its flexibility, worldwide portability and immense off-the-grid life span it is suitable for a wide range of applications and purposes: from a tourist lodge or an independent research station to a humanitarian-action unit or an emergency housing.

Ecocapsule is a low-energy prefab home packed into a compact and efficient form. It merges a off-the-grid capabilities, compact volume and close to maximum energy efficient shape with the luxuries of a hot meal, running water and a warm bed.




Even though very small in size, each unit comfortably houses two adults. The efficient spatial layout design allows you to enjoy familiar convenience of usual homehold facilities in off-the-grid conditions. Hot shower, built-in kitchenette and toilet are luxuries of a hotel room that are now available for using in wilderness also.

Plenty of storage space can fit all your travel, research or sport equipment. Despite its small size each Ecocapsule unit is fitted with all basic and essential features necessary for a prolonged and comfortable stay without a need to re-supply or recharge.

Power

Ecocapsule off-the-grid portable home is powered by an array of solar cells complemented with a built-in wind turbine. High-capacity battery (9744Wh) and dual power system ensures that unit will have enough power during periods of reduced wind or solar activity. The surface of an Ecocapsule unit is covered with high-efficiency solar cells with 2.6 sqm of area (600W) and a retractable pole holding a wind turbine (750W) is further attached to the unit. This creates a system with possibility to harvest an energy that can support comfortable conditions almost year-round in many off-the-grid locations.

Water

External spherical shape is designed with optimization for the collection of dew and rainwater. Moreover, water from any sources can be cleaned and utilized by built-in water filters.

Dimensions, weigh and shipping

Sizes of Ecocapsule (HxLxW 2.55×4.45×2.25m/4.5m with extended pole) allow it to be shipped into a standard shipping container. No precautions or special preparations are necessary to transport the cabin worldwide. It can be towed, airlifted, shipped or even pulled by a pack animal. Weigh of the off-the-grid portable home is 1500kg.