TipiTop Tents by Canobardin: Redefining Glamping Architecture Through Timber, Comfort, and Landscape Integration

An Architectural Response to a Post-Pandemic Way of Living

The way we inhabit space has fundamentally shifted. After the pandemic, the need to reconnect with the outdoors, escape enclosed interiors, and experience nature has become a defining aspect of contemporary living. Terraces, balconies, and open-air environments have gained renewed importance, while dense urban dwellings with poor light and ventilation are increasingly rejected. This cultural shift has had a profound impact on tourism, positioning camping and outdoor hospitality as one of the fastest-growing and most adaptable sectors.

Within this evolving context, TipiTop Tents, designed by Canobardin in Tarragona, Spain, emerges as a thoughtful architectural proposal that elevates the traditional camping tent into a refined, spatially rich, and sustainable glamping unit.

From Camping Icon to Architectural Emblem

Developed after more than six years of experience in camping and resort architecture, TipiTop Tents was born out of a clear gap in the market. Existing glamping tents were often either too rudimentary or stylistically disconnected from European design sensibilities, relying heavily on exotic or African-inspired aesthetics. Canobardin sought to redefine the tent as an architectural object rooted in clarity, comfort, and contextual design.

The project begins with the universal image of the tent: a triangular prism. This archetypal geometry becomes the foundation for a modular, timber-based structure that is both instantly recognizable and spatially generous.

Timber Structure and Spatial Organization

Each TipiTop Tent is constructed from laminated pine wood, forming a robust yet lightweight structure composed of three main porticoes. These frames support the fabric envelope while clearly organizing the interior layout.

The structural system also functions as a spatial organizer, dividing the tent into distinct yet connected zones. The ground level hosts a generous public living area that includes a kitchen and dining space, while the private program is distributed between a bathroom and two double bedrooms. One bedroom is located on the ground floor, while the second occupies a warm and intimate loft accessed by a compact staircase, reinforcing the sense of refuge and vertical continuity.

Materiality, Color, and Interior Atmosphere

Material selection plays a key role in the architectural identity of TipiTop Tents. Wood, fabric, and recyclable panels are used consistently throughout the project, creating a cohesive and environmentally conscious interior language. The palette is deliberately restrained, dominated by wood tones, sand hues, and white surfaces, enhancing natural light and reinforcing a sense of calm.

Every interior element has been carefully designed and coordinated, from custom furniture and textiles to lighting, appliances, and sanitary fixtures. This holistic approach ensures that each tent operates as a complete architectural environment rather than a temporary shelter, offering guests a comfortable and immersive glamping experience.

Climatic Comfort Through Layered Envelopes

On the exterior, the tents combine solid and flexible materials to achieve both durability and environmental comfort. The front and rear façades are composed of sanded pine wood and glass, providing transparency and visual connection with the surrounding landscape. The side façades are formed by a double-layered fabric system, consisting of an inner breathable cotton membrane and an outer waterproof PVC tarpaulin.

The air cavity between these layers acts as thermal insulation, significantly reducing heat gain and preventing greenhouse effects. This passive climatic strategy enhances comfort while minimizing the need for mechanical systems, aligning the project with sustainable glamping principles.

Creating Landscapes, Not Just Tents

TipiTop Tents goes beyond the design of individual units. When grouped together, the tents form cohesive outdoor landscapes that organize communal spaces, pathways, and gathering areas. Their placement articulates small squares and shared zones, encouraging social interaction while maintaining privacy.

During the day, the interplay of fabric surfaces and tree shadows allows the tents to visually merge with their surroundings, echoing the textures and rhythms of the natural environment. At night, the tents transform into softly glowing lanterns, illuminating the landscape and creating warm, welcoming outdoor atmospheres.

Scalable Glamping Architecture for Contemporary Tourism

The project has already been implemented at scale, with 34 tents installed at Tamarit Beach Resort in Tarragona and 40 additional units at Costa del Sol Glamping Village, demonstrating its adaptability and commercial viability. TipiTop Tents positions itself as a new standard for glamping architecture—one that balances comfort, sustainability, and strong architectural identity.