Urban Campsite Amsterdam landed on a new location this summer - a sandy, empty peninsula on the outskirts of Amsterdam. Featuring bizarre-looking cabins created by artists, designers and architects, the 3-month 'art-sleep experience' offers guests the unique opportunity to stay at an inhabitable open-air exhibition. Far from a traditional campsite, this extraordinary solar-powered venue is also conveniently booked through Airbnb.
Urban Campsite changes location every year. This year it was situated east of the Dutch capital at the tip of an artificial island called IJburg. All ‘tents’ are easily booked through Airbnb with prices starting at €85 per night. Each sleeps 2 people on average. As well as bizarre, but cleverly-built cabins, there was a large campfire, a communal kitchen built out of recycled pallets, and a rusty industrial toilet that supports an ecological approach to waste management. Take a look at the 10 cabins and the Tribal Toilet – they are all so inventive and really do look like a miniature space colony on a deserted island in the middle of nowhere.
1. Bedbug
Franka To Lintel Hekkert and Ronnie Kommene‘s Bedbug looks like a creepy crawly creature walking on the sand. Crafted from a patchwork of driftwood, medium-density fibreboard (MDF) and knitted seatbelt panels, its transparent eyes bring in natural light and frame the sky.
2. Carved from wood
Studio Plot‘s ‘Carved from wood’ cabin is a big cubic shelter with a sad facade. The interior shows a completely different story as the vertical wooden battens filter the light in a playful way.
3. Kite Cabin
Frank Bloem‘s ‘Kite Cabin’ is the brightest star of the camp. It was constructed from a sturdy polyester fabric and a transparent roof that facilitates perfect stargazing at night.
4. Attic
Arjen Boerstra‘s ‘Attic’ inspires guests to re-connect with their inner child. Standing on stilts, this sweet wooden loft belongs in a fairytale. A fairytale for grownups, that is.
5. Solid Family
Boomhuttenfest‘s ‘Solid Family‘ is a modular cabin crafted entirely from wood. Its icosahedron shape allows more rooms to be connected so it can expand to fit even more guests inside. The more the merrier!
6. Trampotent
Vince Vijsma gives new life to existing objects with his playful ‘Trampotent’ cabin. Inspired by Bedouin homes, this desert-proof cabin has a trampoline roof, that guests can jump on. Try sleeping through that in the middle of the night.
7. IBC shrink-wrap house
Refunc‘s clever ‘IBC shrink-wrap house’ was constructed with the studio’s favorite industrial object. Made from an Intermediate Bulk Container wrapped in waterproof white plastic sheeting, this minimalist shelter fits a double bed as well as a desk. We don’t love plastic, of course, but we’re sure it will be reused for something great.
8. Upside down you turn me
Rob Sweere‘s lunatic ‘Upside down you turn me’ has a unique geometrical shape. While upstairs guests can peak through the spherical windows, downstairs they can sit, relax and enjoy the bizarre environment. And it provides decent shade.
9. Val Ross
Mud Projects’ ‘Val Ross’ cabin looks like a tilted bean on stilts. Made from durable fibreglass, the structure has something of a maritime porthole for an entrance, which is reached at the top of a small ladder. This must be one of the most unique sleeping spaces we’ve ever seen.
10. Universe 7
Robbert van der Horst contributed a fantastic UFO-shaped dormitory called ‘Universe 7’. Set on top of a sturdy scaffolding structure, the big spherical room can be rotated to change the view or follow the sun. Genius, right?
11. Tribal Toilets
Finally, Atelier Van Lieshout‘s rusty ‘Tribal toilet tower’ deserves a special mention. Located at the heart of this ‘mini-society,’ it shelters dry toilets, showers and also composting tanks to contribute to the camp’s sustainable, self-sufficient approach. Far from Amsterdam’s hustle and bustle, this fantastic campsite provide guests with an unforgettable summer – like living on another planet.
Photos © Ana Lisa Alperovich for Inhabitat
