prefab cardboard 'dan dan dome' tents provide lightweight, durable + waterproof shelter

japanese packaging manufacturer toyo seikan group has collaborated with polar architect yusuke murakami to create the ‘dan dan dome’ prefabricated cardboard tents that can provide temporary shelter in multiple situations and scenarios. made with a special kind of cardboard that is super lightweight and durable at the same time, the structure can be easily assembled without screws or nails, and can also be completely recycled after use. the ‘dan dan dome’ project was developed as part of the company’s ‘open up!’ movement aiming to provide innovative, sustainable solutions that contribute towards a more prosperous society. 

all images courtesy of dan dan dome and open up! project

in order to perfect the cardboard dome tent, toyo seikan group teamed up with yusuke murakami who is experienced in building prefab tents and generating secure living environments. the ‘dan dan dome’ is made of triangular elements forming a geodesic dome structure that is extremely light yet rigid. the specific cardboard that is used in this construction has high water resistance thanks to the company’s original laminating technology, thus making for a rainproof temporary shelter. the tent also features the convenience of easily docking parts without using any screws or nails.

this cardboard tent can be used in multiple ways, as temporary shelters in disaster sites, as rest sports in sightseeing areas and outdoor festivals, or as shared spaces in polar regions. thanks to its easy assembling procedure, the structure can also be tailored to fit specific characteristics in each scenario. in addition, there tent is available in a couple of variations, such as a planetarium that takes advantage of the darkness of the room, and a pet house which takes shape as a smaller version of the original concept.

project info:

name: dan dan dome
developed by: toyo seikan group
in collaboration with: yusuke murakami
as part of: the open up! project