Raise the Woof: Doghouses Delight at Barkitecture 2012
Designs at an annual Austin fundraiser are whimsical, practical and downright luxurious — no bones about it
From Airstream inspired to a pontoon boat, the doghouse designs at this year's Barkitecture fundraiser in Austin, Texas, united lovers of animals and architecture for fun and a good cause. Twenty Austin architects, designers and builders showcased their four-legged-scale designs at the downtown 2nd Street District on Nov. 10, 2012.
The annual fundraiser, hosted by Animal Lovers of Austin Inc., benefits local animal rescue groups. Austinites have the opportunity to bid on the houses, with the silent auction beginning at $250 and increasing by $50 increments. Let's have a look at some of this year's creativity.
The annual fundraiser, hosted by Animal Lovers of Austin Inc., benefits local animal rescue groups. Austinites have the opportunity to bid on the houses, with the silent auction beginning at $250 and increasing by $50 increments. Let's have a look at some of this year's creativity.
The Greenest Design award went to the Rex Box, created with a metal roof, solar panels, recyclable materials and sliding doors. Designed by Francois Levy and built by Newcastle Homes, this green home is similar to many "people" homes designed in East Austin. One neat feature is the chimney, which helps keep the interior naturally cool.
One of the most exciting designs at the event was the Sea Woof — a pet lounge area designed like a pontoon boat, complete with dog-size life preservers. Created by STG Design, this doghouse won the Most Unusual Design award.
The designers at Renewal Design Lab won the award for Best Backyard Bungalow. Aptly named Big Dog Little Dog, this house has two entrances to accommodate two dog sizes.
Like many of the other doghouses, it was also created from salvaged materials.
Clark/Richardson Architects earned the Best Urban Dwelling award with this creative Murphy bed doghouse. Murphy's Paw folds into the wall, creating more free space in the home and helping the bed stay clean. The modern and clean design was inspired by the actual home where it will be placed.
The Barkelow created by EIX & Blackwell offers a lot of home for little puppies. As winner of the Largest Fundraiser award, this chic doghouse is not only comfy, but also luxurious with billowy canopy curtains and a tiny chandelier to boot. This pomeranian seems to agree.
This year's Best in Show was a combined effort between engineering from Block Research Group and design from Escobedo Construction. Created from a fabricated limestone which is held together by sheer compression, the Doggone Vault's design is both stable and breathable.
It also sections the space into a "bedroom" and "dining" space. The kitchen is positioned in the center, where a small water bowl has been created from a dip in the design. The water comes from fresh rain, filtered down from the roof.
It also sections the space into a "bedroom" and "dining" space. The kitchen is positioned in the center, where a small water bowl has been created from a dip in the design. The water comes from fresh rain, filtered down from the roof.
Created by Austin Community College students of the Architectural and Engineering CAD Department, the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Tailiesin SXSW won Largest Student Fundraiser. All materials for this piece were donated or repurposed.
If I were a small dog, my first choice would be this traveling canine's dream designed by AJM Construction. The Woof-Stream is made from local recycled materials including sheet metal and wood and replicates the style of a traditional Airstream.
Gensler designed this Dog Cube Condo, a sustainable home created to withstand the Texas heat. This simple design is made of stainless steel, perforated metal mesh and ipe wood.
A beautiful and unique touch to the Cube Condo is a low-water rooftop planting suited for the Texas climate.
This quaint canine farmhouse by Henley Homes is equipped with a front porch, swing, dormer window and white picket fence.
This functional and clean design drew the attention of many dogs. Created by RRS Construction, it features one of Austin's coolest outdoor features, the shade sail.
Practice Design Group is responsible for this Puppy Playscape, created to be a space for both dogs and their human counterparts to enjoy. The design offers minimal cleanup, an adjustable roof and a fun place for puppies to play.
One of my visually favorite designs and what seemed to be one of the most functional houses was this open-air house by Hatch+Ulland Owen made with ipe wood flooring and polygal ceiling.
Does your dog have a great house, too? Post a photo below!
Does your dog have a great house, too? Post a photo below!