onYon is more than a tent – it is a distinctive piece of temporary architecture, inspired by nature. Its organic, bionic form is not only visually striking, but structurally efficient. The curved geometry distributes forces throughout the entire structure, creating stability while giving onYon its unmistakable sculptural presence. With no straight walls or conventional roofline, it stands apart from traditional event tents and pavilions and blends naturally into its surroundings.
But onYon is just as much about what happens inside. The curved, enclosed space creates a remarkable sense of calm, shelter and intimacy. There is something almost sacred about the atmosphere – a feeling of being protected and removed from the outside world, while still remaining connected to nature. This makes onYon equally suited to gatherings and celebrations, quiet conversations and workshops, or as a personal retreat and space for meditation.
At the same time, onYon is designed as a flexible professional system. Its structural ribs allow lighting, technology, branding, furniture and custom elements to become part of the architecture itself.
Sculptural from the outside. Calm and protective within. A space to meet, to celebrate, to retreat – and simply to be.
Events & Festivals
Pop-Up Shop
Brand Activations
Roadshows
Glamping Stays
Outdoor Lounge
Micro-Venues
Private Celebrations
Adventure Camps
The outer form of onYon is inspired by the skeleton of a sea urchin – a structure that has proven itself over millions of years: lightweight, stable and highly resistant to external forces such as currents, pressure and movement. Translated into an architectural structure on land, this geometry responds particularly well to wind, rain and changing loads. Rather than absorbing forces at individual points, it distributes them evenly across the entire structure.
onYon’s structural ribs follow a clear bionic logic. Their geometry is a proportional interpretation of natural rib structures – gently curved, fluid in form and highly resilient at the same time. Similar geometries can be found throughout nature wherever maximum stability is required with a minimum use of material. The result is an envelope that does not work against its environment, but with it.
A form that was not created for decoration, but evolved from function – and it is precisely this that gives onYon its distinctive sense of calm and presence.
The distinctive form of onYon creates a space that clearly sets itself apart from conventional event and pagoda tents. There are no straight lines – the space is flowing, enclosed and calm. Alongside its geometry, the outer shell adds to onYon’s visual presence. Three colours are distributed symmetrically across twelve segments, yet deliberately given different proportions. The result is a distinctive appearance that stands apart from the familiar aesthetics of conventional tent structures.
Inside, the curved geometry creates a pleasant, cave-like sense of space. The form feels protective and focused, drawing on primal patterns of perception associated with shelter, security and orientation. The exposed ribs are not merely a design feature, but an integral part of the load-bearing structure. They can be used to attach interior elements, shelving, seating or technical equipment. In this way, the space itself becomes part of the system – functional, flexible and adaptable to a wide range of uses.
Bionically inspired by the skeleton of a sea urchin. Organic and rounded, with no straight lines or corners, the geometry distributes loads evenly throughout the structure, creating an appearance that feels both architectural and natural. Structural Principle: A sculptural tent structure consisting of 12 curved steel-tube segments, connected at the centre by a custom-made steel crown. Dome Opening: A transparent 80 cm diameter dome at the top brings natural light into the interior, provides views of the sky and enhances the sense of vertical space.
Wind Stability: The rounded form offers very little surface for the wind to attack, providing a high degree of wind stability – a principle that has proven itself for centuries in traditional Mongolian yurts. OnYon applies the same physics while developing the principle further. Wind loads are distributed evenly across the structure and transferred through its curved ribs. In addition, the curvature of the lower third creates a downward suction effect towards the ground, making the architecture particularly well suited to exposed and open landscapes.
Despite its size when assembled, onYon has been designed for compact transportation. The complete frame can be transported without a trailer. An estate car with a longer loading area is advantageous, while a van is generally only necessary when wooden floor panels are transported together with the structure. The tent can be assembled by one trained person in under one hour.
Materials & Construction:
- Steel frame: 40 × 40 mm steel profile, 2 mm wall thickness, hot-dip galvanised
- Outer shell: Extremely durable, waterproof PVC membrane, B1 certified, tensioned over the ribs
- Inner lining: Breathable fabric attached to the steel ribs with loops, creating a comfortable interior climate
- Door: Steel frame made from Ø 38 mm tube with 2 mm wall thickness, connected by cables
- Windows: Optional, usually two, positioned diagonally opposite the entrance
Dimensions
- External diameter: 5.95 m
- Internal diameter at floor level: 4.80 m
- External height: 3.30 m
- Internal height: 2.90 m
- Interior floor area: 18 m²
- Steel-frame weight: 220 kg
- PVC membrane weight: 40 kg, divided into two sections
Transport & Pack Size:
- Longest component: 2.40 m
- Widest component: door frame, 1.12 m
- Steel-frame weight: 220 kg
- PVC membrane: 40 kg, packed in two sections
Make it yours. onYon is designed as a space that can grow with its purpose. Start with the essential structure and add another layer of comfort, atmosphere and permanence whenever you need it.
onYon — from €8,500 The complete foundation: steel structure, entrance arches, transparent dome and a high-quality Saint Clair architectural membrane, B1 fire-rated. Everything you need to create your own distinctive space.
Inner Cocoon — + €2,500 A breathable textile inner layer that transforms the atmosphere inside – softer, warmer and more intimate, while creating a comfortable interior climate.
Platform — + €3,000 A raised timber floor with an integrated steel substructure, creating a solid and level foundation wherever onYon finds its place.
onYon Complete — from €14,000 Structure, architectural membrane, Inner Cocoon and Platform – the complete space, ready for whatever you make of it. Prices incl. VAT. Transport, installation and site-specific requirements are quoted separately.
