Goodwoof’s Barkitecture is a renowned architectural exhibition and competition of cutting-edge kennel designs. Hosted by Kevin McCloud MBA, Barkitecture 2025 returned with a new theme: “From Nature; For Nature.” Rooted in sustainability and nature, the theme celebrates dogs’ wild spirit and the synergy they share with their natural surroundings that shapes their personalities. Since dogs love to explore the great outdoors, the competition gives a platform to architects to nurture their beloved companions’ love for the outdoors. The 2025 competition has culminated, and here are the 10 most interesting, contemporary dog kennels we saw at Barkitecture.
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill – Hover
The Hover has been designed for Goodwoof‘s 2025 Barkitecture theme “From Nature; For Nature.” Exhibiting the fluid forms of nature, the kennel is slightly elevated from the ground. Based on arched legs, it gives your dog a secure and relaxing space to rest and observe its surroundings. Crafted from sustainable, weather-resistant materials, the kennel beautifully blends in both internal and external surroundings. Catering to the dog’s well-being, the kennel is designed with a suspended mesh surface, mimicking the supportive sway of a hammock. It is ergonomic and comfortable.
Hal l+ Bednarczyk Kennel Vessel – Kennel Vessel
Exhibiting a terracotta form, the Kennel Vessel is inspired by traditional clay coiled pots. The clay coiled pots are regarded as one of the most versatile vessels, perfect for use in both indoor and outdoor spaces. The coils in the dog house are intricately hand-shaped, lending the dog house a practical and aesthetic quality. The exterior of the kennel is rippled, evoking the organic beauty of nature, whereas the interior is a cozy nestling space. The dog house is perfect for dogs like dachshunds. Weighing around 15 kilograms, the Kennel Vessel is durable and sturdy.
ECE Architecture + Millimetre In a Nutshell – In a Nutshell
Manufactured from salvaged Timber, the kennel represents a seed. In a Nutshell has an organic form, which seamlessly adapts to its natural setting, such as a garden and a porch. The design allows your dog to fully bask in the sun and feel safe and comfortable. The interior of this doghouse is a comfy spot for a dog to lie restfully, whereas the exterior is robust and durable. It is portable, facilitating easy transportation. The interior features soft sheepskin bedding, selected for its hypoallergenic qualities.
George and James Architects Ltd – A Whippet in Sheep’s Clothing
A Whippet in Sheep’s Clothing is a sculptural dog kennel that will complement the spirited nature of a dog. Crafted from curved plywood, the form of the kennel resembles the contours of a whippet and reflects the spirit and shapes of the countryside. The interior is lined with locally sourced sheepskin, offering a soft, tactile cocoon for dogs. It offers comfort and a nurturing space, thus cleverly referencing the quote, “a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
Conran + Partners & Beta Office – Bark House
The Bark House is an ingenious dog kennel as it is entirely crafted from cork, which is a sustainable material derived from tree bark. The Kennel is a stripped-back version of a gingerbread house, adding a fairytale charm. The doghouse flaunts soft curves and modern aesthetics, along with some thoughtful details, including a paddling pool, water trough, and a tennis ball chute. This kennel creates a comfortable and inviting space for a canine, merging seamless functionalities with aesthetics.
Pell Stevens Architects – Pointer Paper Pavilion
The dome-shaped structure of this Pointer Paper Pavilion allows for gentle filtering of natural light and air, creating a bright and airy spot for canines. The circular shape of this dog house promotes an optimal airflow from all sides for a calming and cozy environment. Made entirely from cardboard and other bio-based materials, the design of the dog house is based on the ‘dogigami’ principle. The cardboards used in the making are all repurposed from packaging. Furthermore, all the materials are sourced from nature and can be recycled or decomposed back into nature.
Randell Design Group – The Burrow
With a sole purpose to reconnect dogs with nature, Randell Design Group has crafted ‘The Burrow.’ This dog kennel features a depth that is intended to make your canine curl up in its safe space like other wild animals do. This concept was turned into a 3D model, carving, shaping the sections of the interior in a burrowing-like fashion. The negative space inside The Burrow is organic and tactile for a dog to feel snug while staying connected to their natural surroundings. The burrow splits in half, making space for two dogs to sleep cozily. Made from 100 percent recycled wood, The Burrow is a sustainable dog house.
ADAM Architecture With Castellum – Enduring Tradition
Crafted from timber and thatch, the tree-trunk column uplifts the overall look of the structure. Besides, this Enduring Tradition dog house is also outfitted with a weathervane, a rotating mechanism that causes the dog house base to rotate. Guided by a weathervane, its rotating mechanism helps your pooch to chase the warmth of the sun and dodge the ferocious wind seamlessly. The dog house is designed to adapt to outdoor settings, such as gardens. On the other hand, the structure is dismountable, facilitating easy relocation for the sake of your dog’s comfort.
Haysom Ward Miller Architects – Sticks Me Woof’d
The dog house Sticks Me Woof’d boasts a timber spire; the repurposed timber it is built from is sourced from a construction site. Since dogs love to collect sticks, the dog house becomes an object to display their eclectic finds. The spire is made from five perforated blocks of distinct shape. These blocks are fixed centrally on each other. The blocks are held in place by demountable bolted connections. There is a series of small holes, which act as holders for sticks, pegs, hooks, and other treasures a doggo has collected during its outdoor adventures.
Lincoln Miles Architecture and Lisa Traxler – Dazzle Dog-Hiding in Plain Sight
The dog kennel ‘Dazzle Dog-Hiding in Plain Sight’ reflects the theme, From Nature; For Nature, offering a camouflage retreat for your beloved canine. Taking notes from the natural world, the kennel draws inspiration from the extraordinary camouflage techniques found in nature, for example, zebras in the wilderness. The dog house is all about exploring patterns found in nature. This kennel provides a playful retreat for dogs to play and rest while allowing their hoomans to sit on the construction and strengthen the bond of friendship.
Notably, at the end of the competition, all the shortlisted designs are auctioned in the Bonhams Barkitecture auction, proceeds of which will go to Goodwoof’s 2025 charity partner, Wild at Heart Foundation.
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