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Description
Glamping (from Glamourous Camping) is a new trend in the hospitality industry that is growing rapidly and constitutes an alternative to typical hotel accommodation. Glamping structures are close to nature, while at the same time preserving the advantages of civilisation and ensuring high comfort for guests. FG Wójcikowscy, a company manufacturing tent halls, including mainly Freedomes spherical structures, plans to develop and implement an innovative product for the entire glamping industry. It is a bathroom and kitchen module for glamping structures, which operates off-grid, i.e. independently of external electricity supplies, thanks to the acquisition and storage of electricity from renewable sources. That energy will be used, among other things, to heat domestic water. The prefabricated bathroom and kitchen module will be designed so as to be inserted into the glamping structure. It will be fully finished on the outside, so all you need to do is connect it to the installation, and it will be ready for use.
The project will contribute to a reduction in environmental pollution resulting from energy production: CO2 emissions to the atmosphere will be reduced by 929 tons per year, and energy consumption - by 0.07 GWh.
Under the project, we will purchase consultancy services to develop designs (conceptual and detailed) for the new product and to determine the parameters of the production line, and on that basis the production machines will be purchased. We will also need to acquire an IT tool that will be used to configure orders according to customer needs.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several key challenges within the glamping industry, which has been rapidly growing but remains underserved in terms of sustainable and modular infrastructure solutions. The primary issue was the lack of eco-friendly, off-grid, and fully modular bathroom-kitchen units tailored for glamping structures. Current market solutions either fail to meet environmental standards or lack the functionality and adaptability required by this niche sector.
One significant challenge was reducing the environmental impact of glamping accommodations, which often depend on traditional infrastructure for energy and water supply. These dependencies not only limit their placement in remote, natural areas but also increase carbon footprints and operational costs. Addressing this, the project proposed a self-sufficient solution leveraging renewable energy sources and innovative water-heating systems to minimize reliance on external utilities.
Another issue was the absence of standardized, cost-effective, and easy-to-install solutions in the glamping market. Existing offerings are often customized at high costs, which limits scalability and access for smaller businesses or individual investors. By designing a prefabricated module that is highly modular, easy to transport, and adaptable to various settings, the project sought to fill this gap.
Additionally, the glamping industry is constrained by a lack of functional design integration that balances aesthetics, ergonomics, and environmental sustainability. Guests increasingly demand high-quality, luxurious experiences that are also aligned with sustainable practices. This project aimed to create a product that meets these expectations while being universally accessible and compliant with diverse regulatory standards across markets.
Finally, the project sought to contribute to broader societal and environmental goals, including reducing resource consumption, promoting renewable energy adoption, and supporting sustainable tourism development. By addressing these interconnected challenges, the project aimed to position itself as a leader in the eco-tourism and hospitality sectors.
The project focused on the development and implementation of an innovative bathroom-kitchen module designed specifically for the glamping industry. The module was engineered to operate independently of external energy sources ("off-grid"), utilizing renewable energy for electricity and water heating. The activities were structured into two key stages:
Concept Development and Prototyping:
The project began with the creation of a conceptual design emphasizing five core attributes: modularity, sustainability, functionality, universality, and accessibility.
A detailed preliminary design was developed, identifying key technical and material solutions. This included renewable energy integration, ergonomic layout, and eco-friendly materials.
A final execution plan was drafted, including precise technical drawings, assembly instructions, and operational guidelines.
Prototypes were built to test functionality, durability, and user experience. Adjustments were made based on prototype evaluations to optimize design and performance.
Implementation and Production Setup:
A production line was planned and established, including the acquisition of machinery and tools necessary for efficient manufacturing.
The project delivered transformative results for the glamping industry and its stakeholders, addressing key market gaps and advancing sustainability goals. The outcomes and impacts are as follows:
For the Company:
Product Innovation: The project led to the successful development and implementation of an off-grid bathroom-kitchen module for glamping structures. The product represents an innovative solution within the sector and has been fully integrated into the company’s production line, achieving the indicator of 1 innovative product introduced to the market (100% target realization).
Enhanced Processes: The project introduced 1 innovative process within the enterprise (100% target realization), focusing on modularity and sustainability in production.
Increased Sustainability: The module''s design achieved a reduction of CO2 emissions by 990.23 tons annually (106.58% of the target) and a decrease in annual electricity consumption by 0.04 GWh (57.14% of the target).
Growth in Financial Performance: The project contributed to an 18.2% increase in annual revenue (214.11% of the target) and a 27% increase in operating profits (148.35% of the target).
For the Glamping Industry and Businesses:
Sustainable Growth: Glamping operators gained access to an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and fully customizable infrastructure solution. The off-grid module supports their operations in remote locations, reducing reliance on external utilities and lowering operational costs.
Innovation Accessibility: Smaller businesses and individual investors now have access to a high-quality product previously out of reach due to cost and complexity.
For End Users (Glamping Guests):
Enhanced Experiences: Guests benefit from luxurious, eco-friendly accommodations that combine high functionality with a connection to nature. The modules meet modern expectations for sustainable and responsible tourism.
For the Environment:
Reduced Environmental Impact: The module’s reliance on renewable energy and efficient water systems decreases carbon emissions, energy consumption, and waste production. This aligns with global efforts to promote sustainable development and reduce the tourism industry’s ecological footprint.
For the Local and Regional Community:
Knowledge Transfer: By incorporating cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, the project contributed to building regional expertise in green innovation.
Overall, the project achieved significant economic, social, and environmental impacts, benefiting the company, its clients, end users, and the broader community. It set a benchmark for sustainable practices in the glamping industry and fostered a positive shift toward eco-tourism