The First Cocoon® Tent

In the beginning, we reached out to over 100 resorts before we found the perfect location for our first Cocoon® tent. We were told “we are not interested” time and time again. It was a new concept and we knew it would take time. So, we never gave up and kept looking.

One day we sent an email to a resort in Big Sur, CA and within sixty seconds our phone rang. It was the owners of the resort and they loved the concept and had the perfect location to showcase the first Autonomous Tent.

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The Autonomous Tent is an exciting new form of architecture, which has been engineered as a permanent structure, yet can be raised in just a few days and “leave without a trace.” Although these private hideaways provide all of the luxuries of home, in many locations they do not require a permanent foundation or traditional utilities. This revolutionary new direction in sustainable living respects every aspect of our delicate ecosystems.

While often compared to yurts, the Autonomous Tent is a modern design with open floor plans ranging from 380 to 580 sf with soaring ceilings and grand entryways to showcase property views. The high tech manufacturing process ensures absolute precision providing simple installation and a tight seal between fabric, frame, and deck, which typically cannot be accomplished with a yurt, making the structure look and feel more permanent.

Customers can build unique entryways and deck plans to customize their space. Our tents can be used for both personal and commercial applications, including private gourmet dining experiences, luxury guest suites, yoga studios, spas, cocktail lounges, and hunting and fishing lodges.

Timeline:

2013 - The Autonomous Tent Co. was originally founded in 2013 to design the world’s first transportable 5-star boutique hotel that would be located in secluded natural locations for a season at a time. The hotel would be completely powered by the sun and wind and utilize the most advanced water filtration and composting technology. Our commitment to landowners and land conservancies was to “leave without a trace.”

As we began designing our hotel, we gradually realized that we were creating something bigger. We were creating a new form of architecture that would allow us to enjoy the most beautiful places anywhere in the world without destroying our delicate ecosystems. We love seeing the evolution of an idea and simply shifted our focus from creating a transportable hotel to the Autonomous Tent.

2015 - The Prairie Conservation Center installed the prototype Autonomous Tent on its 9,000-acre West Bijou Bison Ranch in the summer of 2015 to hold a series of fundraising events.
2016 – Treebones Resort in Big Sur, CA started taking reservations for its Autonomous Tent at a significantly higher price point than its other yurt and nest accommodations and have enjoyed 95%+ occupancy ever since. The tent is booked out several months, so it is best to plan a visit well in advance.

2016 – Commercially available, working with US-based manufacturing partners and various developers and landowners on exciting projects that will be announced later in 2016/2017.

2017 - Autonomous Tent had their first sale in the US. Owner installs tent on a private ranch “Somewhere in the West.”

2018 – Autonomous Tent had their first international sale. Owner installs tent on a private 50-acre property with ocean views outside of Auckland, New Zealand.

2019 – Treebones Resort in Big Sur, CA installs a second Autonomous Tent based on success of first tent.

2020 – Autonomous Tent designs a new series of tents that will be available for purchase 2021. 2021 – A resort in the UK installs several Autonomous Tents at their new resort.

2022 – Autonomous Tent designs a new series of tents with an option for insulation. This new feature allows the tent to exceed International Energy Codes.

2023 – The new series of tents goes through rigorous wind and snow load testing with a team of engineering students.

2023 – Autonomous Tent starts designs for a smaller version of the new tent including the option for insulation, which exceeds International Energy Codes.

Top Autonomous Tent Facts

Headquartered in Denver, CO
Manufactured in the US
Used for both commercial and private use
Semi-permanent structure for recreational purposes
au·ton·o·mous - existing independently or having the freedom to do so

Founder, Phil Parr

Phil spent 23 years in the technology industry rising to the levels of President and Founder of companies that were later acquired. Phil is now intent on focusing all of his energy on the things he is most passionate about: architecture, art, and nature. Phil's experience in technology has made him an expert in precision and scaling business. He has a passion for the outdoors and design.

Architect Harry Gesner

Phil reached out to Harry Gesner, an influential California architect, in 2012 to help design the world’s first transportable 5-star boutique hotel.