Glamping structures are easy on the environment

By Janice Kleinschmidt

EcoCamp Patagonia, which opened in 2000, had reached its maximum capacity (recommended by ecotourism codes) of 30 guests. In August, the Chilean eco-hotel decided to relocate up the hill in the Torres del Paine National Park. The move was expected to be complete by Oct.1—thanks to the makeup of its accommodations: 14 fabric domes.

The ease of relocating without destruction/construction is just one environmentally friendly component of Pacific Domes’ products. Domes require 30 percent less energy to circulate air and maintain even temperatures better than conventional buildings, and the high volume-to-surface-area ratio requires less building materials to enclose more space.