Forbes story: from a terrace to an igloo business
During the pandemic lockdown, Zoltán Bádé was wondering how he could cover the terrace of his flat in a block of flats. It's a large terrace, and he wanted to find a way to make use of the empty space in the colder months too. So he started browsing what companies offering outdoor solutions and decorations had to offer. That's when he came across an igloo which, despite being made of nothing more than a transparent film, looked as if it could be decorated in all sorts of ways. He immediately ordered three with his savings, thinking that if he liked it, he could probably sell the others on.
He soon saw the potential in the igloo, as did his friend Ákos Turi, who works in the construction industry. Today their products can be seen at dozens of locations across Hungary, including busy, high-footfall streets in Budapest.
Every igloo they had in stock was hired out for the winter season, so they started thinking about how they could use the igloos for the rest of the year. That's when they came up with the idea of hiring them out as accommodation at various festivals – as glamping, an alternative to pre-pitched tents or premium wooden cabins.
They've already agreed deals with half a dozen festivals for this year. They'd like to expand further abroad, but they're also returning to Balaton Sound and Sziget.