Foster + Partners has designed the Barc dog kennel for the Goodwoof Barkitecture competition, which showcases innovative kennel design at Goodwood in West Sussex.
The lightweight plywood kennel responds to this year’s brief, which asked architects to consider how dogs contribute to humans’ wellbeing, particularly in the office. The kennel is made up of a few simple components, which can be easily put together, taken apart and stored efficiently, making it suitable for an office or home environment. Barc is inherently flexible, creating a familiar space for canine companions at their owner’s side.
Norman Foster, Founder and Executive Chairman of Foster + Partners, said: “It is a delight to present our design at Goodwoof, for the second year running. We have used a refined palette of materials to create Barc, a flat pack kennel that responds to the ever-evolving nature of the workplace.”
Foster + Partners has worked closely with Isokon, a company that is known for its expertise in plywood manufacturing, to develop the high-performance structural shell. A single piece of extremely thin plywood is held in tension by two opposing timber dowels, to create the kennel’s striking arched roof. A fabric sling is stretched across the dowels - and incorporates a sustainable cushion made from coconut husk - to create a comfortable, elevated dog bed. The sparing use of material and detail is rooted in the idea of sustainability - to do more with less.
The Barc dog kennel will be on display at the Barkitecture gallery at Goodwoof and auctioned on Sunday 21 May by Bonhams. All funds raised will go towards the work of Pets As Therapy, Goodwoof’s 2023 charity partner.
Goodwoof will be held on Saturday 20 May and Sunday 21 May 2023.
