You have never noticed doghouses quite like these before: a dog-sized country cabin, wine barrel bungalow, miniature Zen house with roof garden, salvage-chic doghouse as well as a Mondrian-like house inspired by a beloved dog cure (a rib). All those and many more clever designs were on display last weekend in Austin’s Barkitecture, a design showcase and auction of doghouses made by mostly Austin-based architects, builders and designers.
Hosted by the Animal Lovers of Austin, Inc., as well as the communities of Edgewick and Gabardine, this annual fundraiser gives Austinites the chance to bid doghouses (the silent auction began at $250 and increased by $50 increments), together with profits benefiting local animal rescue groups. My personal favorites, as well as the winners:
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Best in Show
Cube House is a creation by Cesar Millan (of Dog Whisperer fame) in cooperation with Spring Builders, an Austin-based tradition builder. I especially liked the Zen roof garden and the high-contrast materials.
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Here is the Hound Hacinena by VII Custom Homes.Please note the front porch complete with Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired lantern and plantings on the side of the arrangement. Can you believe this is a doghouse? I can’t. This one took the cake. And the substances used are so Austin. What a beaut! The sloped roof promotes water while the tiny gutter collects water.
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I appreciated that no angle was failed. Dogs can enjoy a huge picture window on either side…
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… and small porthole windows at the back to assist with airflow.
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How Austin is this design by the Art Institute of Austin? Possibly a little literal, however, oodles of fun nonetheless.
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No missed chance on the opposing side.
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Inspired by the shape of QR codes, Jenkins Custom Homes and Bella Villa designed Ruff Quarters to incorporate technology with function. Using reclaimed materials from several job sites, the cutouts provide structural support whilst filtering light, not to mention adding sculptural dimension. FLOR supplied the lively striped carpet.
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Enticing treats and a tiny puppy portraiture never hurt anyone!
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La Casita del Sol was crafted mostly from wood leftover from the designer’s own residence. Repurposed beer bottles allow in plenty of light.
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The Jetwood by Newcastle Homes was another personal favorite, crafted from steel flat stock remnants and birch-faced plywood. The roof provides shade and protection from rain.
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The organic jet-cut pattern increases the sculptural and general aesthetics of the house whilst developing a cooling flow.
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RIB House 2.0, by Hamilton Associates, is a clever abstraction of a beloved dog cure: the rib. The ribbon-like roof permits for rainwater collection.
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I particularly dug the Mondrian-esque cutouts and orange beams.
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Greenest Design moved into Agave’s environmentally-sensitive creation, Water-Cooled Wind Catcher, that took into account Austin’s high-heat climate. Its waterfall and sunlight-mitigating louvers cool off toasty pups in summertime and optimize warmth .
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The winner of Most Unusual dog house by the Austin Community Collect chapter of the American Society for Education was, really, odd, but it came complete with an accessible second story. Now, that’s no joke!
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With this cutie, Stewart Construction took residence Best Backyard Bungalow.
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I think that it’s safe to say that The Ramp House speaks for itself. Kids and dogs alike had fun playing this arrangement.
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Gensler’s Wine Barrel Bungalow is the very definition of upcycling, the process of converting products or materials headed for the garbage into something useful and new.
Spicewood Vinyards donated a cone no longer able for containing wine, even though a walnut scrap became the front porch atop table legs from IKEA. A cushion inside provides a soft toast for weary canines. The succulant-heavy green roofing is a low-maintenance, appealing topper.
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Top Notch Renovations and Dawn Hearn Interior Design combined forces to create this Charming Cottage, which surely charmed me!
The cedar roof, cupola complete with weathervane, board-and-batten siding and latching dividers provide canines all of the classic details many people humans enjoy.
Shutters on either side of the house available to promote cross breezes on warm days and shut up for cooler winter temperatures.
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I also loved the cushion and quirky artwork indoors!
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STG Design socialized with Balflour Beatty Construction and Prew Fab, LLC and FlexCo to create”Unleashed,” made from actual dog leashes. The padding, made from recycled tires, is removable for mobility and easy cleaning.
Dreamed up by Austin-based architects, Barkitecture began by taking up one sidewalk along the town’s 2nd Street District. Five decades after, three city blocks were closed to display 20 dog houses and a plethora of activities and opportunities to donate.
It was a gorgeous day in this year’s event (but actually, when is it not beautiful in Austin?) And everybody was in high spirits. Dogs and children were encouraged to explore, climb and play on the houses. There were water and treats in each tiny house to maintain pups trendy, and the majority of the boutiques along 2nd Street were in the ready with more treats and their own dogs.
Which is your favorite? Does your dog have a fantastic house too? Post a photo below!
More: How to Make a Vintage-Suitcase Dog Bed
Pets: 50 Design-Loving Dogs
Loving the Appearance of Dogs in Style
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