Barkitecture 2016: Playful Designs for Cool Dogs
Architects push doghouse design to the limit in this annual Austin fundraiser
Since 2005, the Texas charity event Barkitecture Austin has drawn lovers of canines and cutting-edge design. The event continues to grow in popularity, and this year, 16 Austin-area architects, interior designers and builders showcased their style and creativity with innovative doghouse designs. The creations were auctioned off at the end of the event, with all proceeds benefiting nonprofit pet-adoption group Austin Pets Alive. Other festivities included a pet fashion show, a photo booth and face painting for the kids. Take a look at these experimental designs and check to see if there are similar events in your hometown.
What’s better than a doghouse? A multifunctional coffee table that doubles as a doghouse! Inspired by Icelandic landscapes, Fido Fjord by Newcastle Homes beautifully blends form and function, giving owners a place to rest their drinks while their pup relaxes at their feet in its own private sanctuary.
The fabrication process involved precision-cutting cabinet-grade maple with a CNC (computer numerical control) machine to mimic the landscape. Plexiglas was then cut and polished to resemble ice. The piece was assembled using furniture and cabinetry hardware. Custom tempered glass sheets were added to the sides and top as the final step.
Design: isARK Studio; CNC fabrication: Jimmy French of Dovetail Drawers of Texas; glass: Alejandro Juarez of Texas Mirrors and Doors; assembly and trim carpentry: Carlos Munoz
The fabrication process involved precision-cutting cabinet-grade maple with a CNC (computer numerical control) machine to mimic the landscape. Plexiglas was then cut and polished to resemble ice. The piece was assembled using furniture and cabinetry hardware. Custom tempered glass sheets were added to the sides and top as the final step.
Design: isARK Studio; CNC fabrication: Jimmy French of Dovetail Drawers of Texas; glass: Alejandro Juarez of Texas Mirrors and Doors; assembly and trim carpentry: Carlos Munoz
The three modular pieces that make up the Acute House by GSC Architects can be configured into multiple layouts and even two separate doghouses. The charred wood used in the construction offers protection from the elements and insects, and is durable and rot-resistant. A separate piece supplies toy storage and a trough for water.
Fabricated of welded steel tubes and canvas, Canine Canopy by Dick Clark + Associates is a hybrid. It’s both a shaded doghouse inspired by the classic camping tent and a hammock raised above the ground. The design of the overhead cover and the cross ventilation provide relief from the hot Texas sun.
The Bark-Kart by Troo Designs is a multipurpose bar cart and dog feeding station. It’s made from reclaimed materials with built-in storage for dog food, supplements and treats. Easily portable thanks to its lockable casters, it is suitable even for small spaces that need functional mixed-use furniture.
Pups can share a single “dog lot” with this doghouse, which encourages conservation of the Earth’s resources with its integrated infrastructure. Taking a cue from city life, The Urban Pup by PSW Real Estate features two “houses” and a detached carport that can be used for dog bowls or to store toys.
Built for dogs that love living in close proximity, it is reflective of a typical PSW single-family attached dwelling, which is one of most dense zoning uses currently allowed in the city of Austin.
Built for dogs that love living in close proximity, it is reflective of a typical PSW single-family attached dwelling, which is one of most dense zoning uses currently allowed in the city of Austin.
Inspired by the modern farmhouse, Barker Farmhouse by HA Architecture is clean and modern, with a singular touch of whimsy. The doghouse’s cube-shaped barn form features classic woodworking. The wood base is doweled together to minimize the use of anchors and is finished in an ebony stain. Whitewashed walls create a nice contrast to the wood. A blackened metal extension rod supports a floating bamboo vase to add an unexpected playful aesthetic.
In designing this doghouse, HA Architecture was inspired by work in progress at its studio, especially a green wedding venue in Wimberley, Texas.
In designing this doghouse, HA Architecture was inspired by work in progress at its studio, especially a green wedding venue in Wimberley, Texas.
The beautiful architecture of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, inspired Big D Design to create The San Mikey’s Dog Hosteria. Using common elements the city is known for, such as iron, light, color, wood and greenery, the team created a spacious environment for a canine to enjoy.
A translucent panel in the rear lets light filter in while keeping out UV rays. The structure is made of salvaged metal scrap angles and plates. A roof garden and decorative panel with two-by-two cedar posts add to the artistic vibe.
A translucent panel in the rear lets light filter in while keeping out UV rays. The structure is made of salvaged metal scrap angles and plates. A roof garden and decorative panel with two-by-two cedar posts add to the artistic vibe.
512 Paw Ave. was conceived by participants in Austin Community College’s architectural and engineering CAD program and inspired by Bauhaus design.
The participants looked for smart ways to use eco-friendly materials. Heat-treated pine and pallet wood used for the base and siding was collected from a local business. Exterior cold-formed steel framing helps maintain good air quality and eliminates off-gassing from other common construction materials.
The participants looked for smart ways to use eco-friendly materials. Heat-treated pine and pallet wood used for the base and siding was collected from a local business. Exterior cold-formed steel framing helps maintain good air quality and eliminates off-gassing from other common construction materials.
The perforated steel sides allow good air circulation, and the roof can be raised and lowered to allow trapped heat to escape. Light-gauge steel beams and the elevated floor help prevent moisture from forming and make maintenance easy.
An indoor-outdoor doghouse for a small urban dweller, Bark Nouveau by Frontier Architects is inspired by nature and by spaceships like the lunar module. It is also designed to increase access to nature and make pups feel as if they’re always in the great outdoors.
The combo of elevated base and exercise ramp makes small pets feel safe and confident, and the mirrored panels create a camouflaged area that’s perfect for squirrel watching.
The combo of elevated base and exercise ramp makes small pets feel safe and confident, and the mirrored panels create a camouflaged area that’s perfect for squirrel watching.
Air Bark n’ Bark by Carson Design Associates is designed for dog lovers with a “strong sense of adventure” and is “embedded with the Austin culture and style.” Compact and towable, Air Bark n’ Bark can be easily moved or stored while providing a secure place to keep toys and food, complete with a trendy sliding barn door. When it’s time to put the doghouse to use, pull out the grassy dog deck, fill the water and food bowls, and you’re ready to go.
Material selections play a big part in keeping the doghouse mobile. Large wagon wheels hold up a wood base, and luxury vinyl tile is used for waterproof roofing and the easily cleanable floor. The design adds a touch of Austin with the phrase “I Woof You So Much” painted on the exterior wall as well as tapestry art hung on the reclaimed-wood interior feature wall.
Material selections play a big part in keeping the doghouse mobile. Large wagon wheels hold up a wood base, and luxury vinyl tile is used for waterproof roofing and the easily cleanable floor. The design adds a touch of Austin with the phrase “I Woof You So Much” painted on the exterior wall as well as tapestry art hung on the reclaimed-wood interior feature wall.
The Den by MAA Architects allows pups to “get back into the action by allotting a space for them as the centerpiece in the family room. The concept merges the modern coffee table with dogs’ instinctual need to “den.” The result is a doghouse and coffee table designed to be mutually beneficial for humans and their canine companions.
Luna by Mode is modular and portable, with quick and easy assembly. It can be taken apart and moved in less than five minutes, and comes with a simple how-to manual for the owner. It can also be easily packed flat to fit into the back of a car or a storage space.
The design team purposely kept the materials used to plywood and rope, both readily available at a local home improvement store. A CNC machine was used to fabricate the pieces.
The design team purposely kept the materials used to plywood and rope, both readily available at a local home improvement store. A CNC machine was used to fabricate the pieces.
Adding more or less rope can adjust the airflow and sunlight coming in to account for the different seasons. Mode says it made “no screws or nails” a strict requirement for its design.
Inspired by the fun and colorful city of Austin, the talented teams at Urbane Design and Pretty Kennels teamed up to create The Pawfect Pooch Pad. The brightly colored house features exterior graphics of dapper dogs in suits, colorful geometric floor tiles and a signature Pretty Kennels acrylic front with cutout.
Almost all the materials used were left over from previous jobs, with the exception of the acrylic and dog graphics. Playful cat heads mounted on acrylic on the interior complete the playful vibe.
Almost all the materials used were left over from previous jobs, with the exception of the acrylic and dog graphics. Playful cat heads mounted on acrylic on the interior complete the playful vibe.
A contemporary doghouse is the perfect home for a modern dog in this Mini Modern Mansion designed by Zbranek & Holt Custom Homes. Latticework on half the structure provides ventilation, while solid walls give a pup a place to relax out of sight.
A cool ramp provides access to a roof deck.
Multipurpose coffee table-doghouses seemed to be a trend at this year’s Barkitecture, and this one by The Pettitt Group didn’t disappoint. Challenged to create a cozy spot for dogs using recycled and renewable materials, the group used recycled Ruf wood pellet bricks to construct the table. The bricks are compressed wood shavings that are a waste product from millwork and are made using a machine that hydraulically compresses the wood shavings without binders.
The tabletop was a repurposed dining room tabletop from Habitat ReStore. The end result is a safe and secure resting place for pups that still allows family connectivity.
The tabletop was a repurposed dining room tabletop from Habitat ReStore. The end result is a safe and secure resting place for pups that still allows family connectivity.
Pretty Kennels is an Austin company started by a pet owner who was seeking a kennel that wasn’t an eyesore in her home. She searched to no avail for a “pretty” kennel. When she couldn’t find one, she made her own.
One of the highlights of the event was the Fashound fashion show, where participants dressed up their pooches (what’s better than dogs in costumes?) and walked them down the runway.
See more of this event
See more of this event
The dog has the perfect outfit for when it’s time to take charge.
Event dogs aren’t immune to the glamour of TV.
Black and white is a classic look.
It’s Texas. The cowboy look is always a winner.
A colorful centipede joins in the fun.
And what dog wouldn’t dress up to support its favorite team?
Browse more stories about pets and pet design
Browse more stories about pets and pet design
The interior of the doghouse is made of marine-grade plywood that is easily cleaned and is painted a bold persimmon. The open ends allow air circulation, a bonus in the hot Texas weather.
Steel fabrication: Ariel Metals