American prefabricated shelter company Jupe has launched its first cosmos-inspired shelter units built for short-term stays. Designed for modern travelers’ quest to escape dense, urban areas for the wilds of nature, Jupe provides an out-of-this-world getaway experience. Each Jupe unit is shipped as part of a chassis foundation that can be flat-packed to roam anywhere, without regard to the electrical grid, and is assembled in hours.
The Jupe structure is supported by interconnected and durable aluminum masts which make up Jupe’s illuminated and distinct geometric shape. Its simple assembly and chassis foundation make it adaptable to wherever one might wander, whether that’s a sprawling desert, a crowded redwood forest, the shores of an isolated lake, or a windswept coastal community. Built as a work of art rather than a simple dwelling, Jupe’s unique shape and angular surfaces resemble a cut diamond or an interstellar shuttle more than age-old structures like RVs, cabins, tents, or yurts traditionally used in nature getaways.
“Experiencing the natural wonders of the world shouldn’t mean being forced to disconnect while staying in a less-than-inspirational living space,” said Jeff Wilson, co-founder and CEO of Jupe. “Jupe is an out-of-this-city getaway inspired by out-of-this-world ideas. During these times when most of us are craving a true escape, Jupe provides an experience perfectly suited for socially- distanced travel.”
Each unit boasts cavernous ceiling heights of 11 feet, so users can comfortably maneuver when occupying it. Prioritizing small space with big impact, Jupe’s 111-square-foot space is cloaked in a high-quality fire-resistant canvas soft-top and is grounded by finished Baltic birch wood tile-flooring. The floors open up to individual storage cubes totaling 38.1 cubic feet of storage, enough space to store ten large suitcases. Beyond a massive interior, side windows heighten the sense of openness, providing cross-ventilation and natural light. The unit’s front-facing facade can open into a single large panoramic window to take in awe-inspiring wide-angle views. Splashes of warm desert tones enliven a minimal aesthetic that merges contemporary and functional design. Upon entering a Jupe, travelers are welcomed with a queen-size bed equipped with Nectar mattresses, a designer desk, chair and ottoman.
Jupe’s clean interior was designed in collaboration with renowned boutique hotelier Liz Lambert (formerly Bunkhouse Hotels: El Cosmico, Phoenix Hotel) and sustainable architecture expert, TED Prize Winner, and former head of social innovation at AirBnB, Cameron Sinclair.
Jupe’s ease of transport and high design makes it ideal for short term rental hosts looking to temporarily meet higher demand for their properties or for landowners looking to activate their space seasonally without grid connections, while being light on the Earth.
Jupe engineers have built a first-of-its-kind modular chassis that contains the wiring, electrical, and mechanical elements of a home into a flat- packable foundation block. Each Jupe comes tech-equipped with its own solar panel and 200 Ah battery system and WiFi router, ensuring travelers can enjoy the marvels of the natural landscape without sacrificing connectivity. Jupe units are also capable of utilizing solar panels, battery, and a panel system to power four electrical outlets and USB charging stations, an optional private wi-fi network, and dimmable LED lighting. Add-ons include a Sonos Move speaker with integrated Alexa capabilities, a lock safe, a cooler, and a small porch.
Jupe units are now available for $99 pre-order at a starting price point of $17,500, which equates to 1/5th the price of an average Airstream. The company has made the pods, which are manufactured in a Los Angeles factory, available for pre-order now, with the first flatpack kits due to be delivered in Spring 2021.