Unusual ways to go camping seem to be all the rage this summer and UrbanCampsiteAmsterdam may have taken the idea to the most extreme. Not only can you stay inside these unusual structures, but they are also an open-air exhibition open to the public.
The installation is located in the Centrumeiland, or Centre Island, an artificial peninsula made of layers of sand. It’s an experimental process for the small country anticipating growth along its waterfront areas. Designer Francis Nijenhuis and economist Annette van Driel saw the area as a wasted opportunity and wanted to show the public a unique way of looking at, and utilizing, space. They commissioned various designers to create 14 mobile structures that will eventually be moved elsewhere.
Upside down you turn me [Rob Sweere]Goahti [Victor Leurs]Some of the structures include the “Attic”, perched on top of stilts, the Norwegian-inspired “Goahti”, the “Ibc shrinkwrap” house made of rebar and construction wrap, and the funky “BEDBUG.”
BEDBUG [Franka te lintel hekkert – Ronnie kommene]Ibc shrinkwrap house [Refunc]Ibc shrinkwrap house [Refunc]The wonderful “Upside down you turn me” survival capsule has an elevated bed with dome windows that also offers protection from the rain. The Trampotent is a desert-style shelter topped by a trampoline. The elevated Universe 7 can turn with the sun.
Universe 7 [Robbert van der Horst]Trampotent [Vince Vijsma]Trampotent [Vince Vijsma]Carved from wood [Studio Plots]Carved from wood [Studio Plots]One of the most beautiful is the nondescript “Cut from wood” structure that looks like a plain box from the outside, but once you are inside the incoming light completely transforms the experience.
Tribal Toilet Tower [Atelier van Lieshout] Many of the structures have been made from recyclable materials and gleaned garbage and all act as functional bedrooms and living spaces. The Tribal Toilet Tower by Atelier Van Lieshout is a two-story building that includes the campground’s toilets, showers, compost and septic tanks. There are also outdoor communal areas and firepits. The nightly rates are around $95 per night.
6 thoughts on “UrbanCampsiteAmsterdam’s Unusual Sleeping Pods”
All of these units are very interesting both in design and function. Bedbug, Upside down you turn me and bc shrinkwrap house I find the most interesting. The BEDBUG could be built as modules and flat panels that bolt together on sight. Upside Down is just neat for the cool factor of the design. BC Shrinkwrap is a great use of the cages that they around poly-tanks so they can be stacked. I was looking at getting some shrinkwrap to build a work space out of. All of them a good ideas some are great ideas nice to see creative minds at work.
Give someone some paper, pencils and a hit of acid and wal-AH ….these are not functional, and not condusive to the elements…..
Looks like a fad that will fade with the sunset and a nice brisk sandy wind….
“Just Saying”…..
On the contrary, they are very functional. Not as long term living spaces but as conversation starters, art & design inspiration and at least as good a basic shelter as a tent. I think they fulfill their mandate very well. As a matter of fact the Upside Down You Turn Me has inspired me to build something similar for a grandkid playhouse.
All of these units are very interesting both in design and function. Bedbug, Upside down you turn me and bc shrinkwrap house I find the most interesting. The BEDBUG could be built as modules and flat panels that bolt together on sight. Upside Down is just neat for the cool factor of the design. BC Shrinkwrap is a great use of the cages that they around poly-tanks so they can be stacked. I was looking at getting some shrinkwrap to build a work space out of. All of them a good ideas some are great ideas nice to see creative minds at work.
Give someone some paper, pencils and a hit of acid and wal-AH ….these are not functional, and not condusive to the elements…..
Looks like a fad that will fade with the sunset and a nice brisk sandy wind….
“Just Saying”…..
On the contrary, they are very functional. Not as long term living spaces but as conversation starters, art & design inspiration and at least as good a basic shelter as a tent. I think they fulfill their mandate very well. As a matter of fact the Upside Down You Turn Me has inspired me to build something similar for a grandkid playhouse.
I think those are really cool.
With the trampotent, it would be good to not to go in while someone is bouncing. 🙂
A couple of them have a futuristic look to them.
“stop bouncing on my house you little sh*t it’s 3 in the morning”
I would paint the Goahti white and put a big NASA on the outside. The shape is so reminiscent of the Apollo capsules!