According to Merriam-Webster, the first known or recorded use of the word Glamping was in 2005. Glamourous camping (glamping) however has existed for hundreds of years. Also called luxury camping, it’s the concept of sleeping under the stars or embracing the elements with added comforts of what we call modern living. This could include any combination of bedding, running water, electricity, and minimal but sturdier shelter than a tent. It wasn’t uncommon for royalty or high-ranking military officers during war or holiday to have one or all these amenities to create a luxury style of camping.

In 2017, Designhaus Architecture began the development of a series of luxury camping shelters and buildings that could be adapted for all types of climates and all types of vacation goers seeking adventure, without having to pack and carry their own gear—typical for traditional, rustic, and modern camping. Depending on the location of each luxury camping resort, the architecture for each theme of the resort, and the materials used to construct the structures would vary, creating a type of location element branding.

The woodland theme developed by Designhaus was the most popular design, as it fits many resorts’ style in North America based on the geography setting: dense woods, minimal to highly elevated rolling hills for ski resorts, lakes and rivers, ample trails for hiking and biking, and driving distance from a shopping center. Each luxury camping resort had designs for a main pavilion, tents, shelters, domes, and treehouses; all of which had ADA compliant designs as well.

Pavilion Front

The Pavilion design was the central hub for all visitors. It’s designed to have a commercial kitchen, bar and restaurant, game room, community seating around a grand fireplace, covered patio space on the first and second floor, and rentable meetings rooms for business use. Depending on the type of resort, the Pavilion was also designed to feature a swim-up bar for beach themed resorts.

Pavilion Front

Pavilion Rear

Roll Back the Tent Canvas

A clear staple in camping is a tent or trailer. The Designhaus tent is elevated on a deck that is also ADA accessible and has windows to enjoy the scenery, it also has a full bathroom with running water. The deck has enough room for a lounge area at front of the tent, so visitors can relax under the stars by a fire pit.

High in a Treehouse

Some scenery is best viewed from above, or maybe some people are wary of critters being nosey by tents. Either way, a treehouse in luxury camping is a great way to live out an inner Lost Boy dream. Elevated 32 feet off the ground, the loft-style treehouse is a strong statement to conquering the elements while enjoying the local scenery. It features a front porch with a safety rail, full bathroom with running water, and a lofted sleeping area led by a staircase to the second level. An ADA version was also created with the same architecture and materials but is only elevated off the ground by a platform, similar to the tent architecture. It’s essentially like having a cabin, rather than a tent. A fire pit is available at ground level for roasting marshmallows.

Big Sky Dome

Domes (pods) have grown in popularity in the camping world recently. They allow for a full 360-degree view of the sky and surroundings. Comprised either glass or plastic, metal, and wood; the dome also sits on an elevated deck and has two bedrooms. There is also a full bathroom and the main foyer entrance and living space to relax. It’s a fully immersive experience and is also fashioned with privacy screens for visitors. Dome inspiration can be traced back to igloo design. Many domes are used at luxury camping resorts in climates that favor snow and clear skies at night where there is little to no light pollution, allowing for a maximum star-gazing experience. Domes are even enjoyable during rain and thunderstorms. A personal fire pit is also available outside of the dome.

Adventure & Designhaus Architecture

Designhaus is constantly exploring new avenues of inspiration and design for all types of structural needs. Our firm is comprised of many outdoor enthusiasts and campers who have implemented their own outdoor experiences into the design of the luxury camping structures. This experience is now shared with developers starting their own resorts and luxury campgrounds.