Solar-powered tents made out of cardboard could soon feature as prominently at British festivals as beer and bands thanks to a former design student.
James Dunlop reportedly says he had the idea for ‘Myhabs’ after hearing 10,000 tents are thrown away each year by organisers of major festivals such as Glastonbury.
He committed the final year of his design degree at the University of the West of England to coming up with a solution, which finance group Mint is to support with funds of £500,000.
Their joint venture is set to spring into action as soon as this year, when summer festivals around the UK will trial the tents on their music-loving punters.
Each Myhab – a two-person cardboard tent protected by waterproofing – will cost between £60 and £100 for a weekend.
It includes a rigid plastic frame, which can be reused, and provides a lockable compartment for storing valuables.
Inside the tent, a solar-powered light can be activated, while on the outside – a waterproof coating is said to last for five full days of rain.
But the vibrant tents can also be personalised: companies running the entertainment can therefore offer reduced rates for Myhab owners, if they sell the exterior advertising space.
“I’ve always been ambitious and I had this opportunity,” Mr Dunlop said, reflecting on his Myhabs to The Independent.
“So, rather than getting a job as a product designer, I wanted to be an entrepreneur.”
The Myhab is an opportunity not only for Mr Dunlop, who gave Mint a 30% share in his business, but also for marketers - given Glastonbury attracts 150,000 revellers every year.
Feb 27, 2007
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