A Shelter to Connect with Nature
“I want a shelter that sets up quickly and lets me enjoy the outdoors at my own pace.”
The Tenbi Shelter began with this simple idea. In development, the team looked back to the roots of camping—time spent in nature itself. The goal was to create a space that embodies oneness with the outdoors, a place where families and groups can truly relax.
Development Background
Modern tents often grow larger in the pursuit of stylish design. Extra poles mean more complexity, longer setup times, and a structure that feels heavy. The Tenbi reversed this approach. Built around a simple three-frame system, the goal was to minimize setup while maintaining strength and livability. The tent was designed with families of three to four in mind, balancing ease of use with comfort.
From Concept to Shape
Within the three-frame structure, two priorities guided development: a space for living and sleeping, and a structure that preserves a sense of openness. Inspiration came from sitting in a reclining chair and looking upward—the desire was to bring that same view of sky and nature inside the tent. This led to the skylight design, placed to align with the line of sight when leaning back.
Creating the skylight proved difficult. Rain and snow easily collected during early tests. After multiple prototypes, adjustments to fabric tension, frame strength, and water-resistant ripstop material (rated to 2,000 mm) solved the issue, allowing the skylight to remain open without compromising weather protection.
Design Details
Mesh panels were placed throughout to maximize airflow and natural light. The living area reaches 210 cm (6.9 ft) in height, giving adults space to stand and move comfortably. The bedroom area is kept lower to reduce weight and storage size, resulting in a total packed weight of just 9 kg (19.8 lbs).
Wrinkle-free paneling maintains a clean, taut profile once pitched, while a full-length skirt helps block drafts in colder weather. Every detail, from pole placement to fabric balance, was refined through repeated testing to ensure both strength and usability.
The Final Form
The Tenbi Shelter is designed for maximum livability with minimal framing. Panels can be opened, closed, or set to mesh, creating flexibility for privacy, ventilation, and light. The skylight, high ceiling, and airy mesh combine to make time inside feel connected to the outdoors.
The result is a shelter that balances portability, setup speed, and comfort—shaped by careful attention to detail and built to provide a lasting sense of unity with nature.
