tato architects suspends arc tent somewhere between a hammock and a campsite

CAMPING GETS OFF THE GROUND

Tato Architects rethinks the familiar camping tent with Arc Tent, a lightweight shelter that behaves almost as much like a hammock as a place to sleep. Instead of resting directly on the terrain, its tubular equilateral triangle is suspended within a folded circular frame, raising the occupant slightly above the ground and allowing the structure to accommodate uneven outdoor surfaces.

That suspension also gives Arc Tent its defining movement. The geometric structure gently swings as people climb inside, turning a practical shelter into something closer to playground equipment. Rather than trying to eliminate every wobble from outdoor living, Tato Architects makes it part of the experience, encouraging occupants to remain aware of their own bodies — and, when sharing the space, everyone else’s.

side view of the silver Arc Tent | all images by Daici Ano

A TRIANGLE SUSPENDED INSIDE A CIRCLE

The tent’s construction is deliberately legible: a triangular tubular frame hangs within the surrounding circular structure, while pegs and ropes anchor the assembly to the ground. The resulting composition looks more like a piece of temporary outdoor furniture than conventional camping equipment, with its basic geometries doing most of the visual work.

Elevating the inner space also separates its occupants from stones, roots, damp surfaces, and the other small inconveniences that usually come free with sleeping outdoors. At the same time, the structure retains the informal quality of a hammock, allowing the shelter to respond to movement instead of insisting on remaining perfectly still.

with the light-blue outer tent draped over the frame, the silver Arc Tent opens in the background

TECHNICAL FABRICS WRAP THE LIGHTWEIGHT SHELTER

Tato Architects develops Arc Tent with different outer skins suited to outdoor conditions. A light blue version uses Dyneema Composite Fabric, a highly durable material made with ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fibers and known for its high tear strength relative to its weight. A silver version is wrapped in polyethylene fabric designed to reflect infrared radiation.

Inside, a mesh layer keeps insects out while allowing air to circulate through the shelter. Together, the suspended frame, breathable enclosure, and technical outer fabrics turn Arc Tent into a compact experiment in how little architecture it takes to change the feeling of being outside — apparently, getting a few centimeters off the ground already goes quite a long way.

looking down on the closed tent in the evening

the silver outer tent, made of heat-reflective polyethylene fabric

the inner tent glows with the low evening sun

the inner tent of equilateral-triangular section is suspended inside the outer tent

the tent can be carried by two people

the outer tent transmitting backlight

Arc Tent set among the trees; opened wide, it can also be enjoyed as an open-air space

the light-blue Dyneema Arc Tent in front, the silver polyethylene-fabric one behind

project info:

name: Arc Tent
designer: Tato Architects

photographer: Daici Ano

location: Kiyoharu Art Colony, Hokuto, Yamanashi, Japan

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edited by: Iñaki Laguardia | designboom