Goodwoof Barkitecture, an annual event celebrating the intersection of architecture and pet care, is renowned for showcasing cutting-edge kennel designs. The 2025 edition, set to take place in May, will feature an array of such designs from reputed firms like Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Adam Architects, ECE Architecture, and many others. After having covered the SOMS’s dog bed, a couple of days back, today we look at ECE Architecture’s designed dog kennel dubbed In a Nutshell.
The London-based architecture firm ECE Architecture has designed the dog house in collaboration with millimetre, a design and fabrication company. “Inspired by the organic forms of seeds, nuts, and cocoons, our design responds to the Barkitecture 2025 theme “From Nature; For Nature” by inviting nature inside. The kennel forms a protective embrace – much like the shell of a nut – creating a safe and calming retreat for dogs while keeping them connected to their surroundings,” ECE Architecture states.
As evident from the picture, the kennel’s organic, cocoon-like shape and earthy brown exterior mimic the natural elements found in the surrounding environment, such as nuts, seed pods, or animal burrows. The textured surface, with its intricate, almost woven pattern, not only enhances the visual appeal of the kennel but also provides a comforting experience for dogs, making it a cozy and inviting retreat.
As per Goodwoof’s website, “The kennel’s exterior is robust and enduring, crafted to thrive in the natural environment, allowing dogs to immerse themselves in the scents and sounds of the outdoors.” While it’s unclear at the moment, the structure appears to be crafted from a sustainable material, potentially locally sourced timbers, and a composite of natural fibers aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly pet products.
On the design front, In a Nutshell, prioritizes seamless integration with nature. It boasts a low profile ensuring the kennel doesn’t disrupt the landscape, while offering an open entrance allowing dogs of all sizes to move in and out of the shell with ease. Inside, the space is likely insulated to keep the pet warm during winter months.
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Overall, the cocoon-shaped dog house provides both security and comfort to the canine. While one may argue that the kennel isn’t anything like stereotypical boxy structures, we usually see on pet care sites, but that’s the whole point of this year’s Barkitecture theme (From Nature; For Nature) to move away from conventional ideas, reimagining the possibilities of a what a dog kennel of future could be.
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