Pointer Paper Pavilion at Goodwoof’s Barkitecture Competition

Our team was extremely proud to have been selected to take part in Barkitecture – the unique kennel design competition at Goodwoof – judged by Kevin McCloud MBE, Bill Bailey and The Duke of Richmond. We were delighted to have then been shortlisted as finalists and had a fantastic weekend on 17th and18th May, talking to all the visitors at both the Barkitecture tent and at our stand, where we were displaying some of our recent projects, including Wessex Veterinary Orthopaedics, for whom we designed state-of-the-art canine and feline operating theatres. The Pointer Paper Pavilion kennel attracted a lot of attention and was constantly being “tested” by a variety of breeds throughout the weekend and photographed by their owners. Kevin McCloud and Bill Bailey loved it so much that they both got inside too!

Now in its fourth year, the competition brought together the great and the good of

architecture and design and took place on the glorious Goodwood Estate. Goodwoof offers the chance to celebrate everything you love about dogs in the stunning setting of Goodwood, and in the Duke of Richmond’s own words is “the chicest, most stylish dog event in the world!” Last year it attracted over 20,000 people and 12,000 dogs!

This year’s competition brief was to design a kennel that is “From nature, for nature” and the studio’s design team, led by Roger Pell-Stevens and David Elliott, were inspired by Jaffa (Cattistock Duke of Orange), our muse, an orange and white English Pointer, who spent his first weeks in a cardboard box, which formed his bed. This, along with the ever-increasing flow of cardboard packaging from online purchases and deliveries, led to the inspiration for our design.

Based on the ‘dogigami’ principle, our kennel was created entirely out of cardboard and other bio-based materials. The circular shape promotes natural airflow through the columns and echoes the natural shape of a dog curling up to rest, creating a cosy and calming environment.

Flat cardboard was folded, bent and shaped by cutting, moulding and adhering, with several boards laminated together to form sheets of great strength. This cardboard was re- purposed from packaging, and created the roof structure and shingles. Rigid cardboard tubes provide impressive strength for the major structural elements.

All the materials used in the construction were sourced from nature, and can either be recycled or returned to nature through composting.

All the kennels were auctioned by Bonhams at the close of the event, and we were delighted to raise £450 for Goodwoof’s chosen charity, Wild at Heart Foundation.