Architect Dog Houses

 

The following dog houses are from Barbara Denzer's article, "Architecture Unleashed" which features these dog houses from a design contest and exibit at the Oakland Museum of California. Chessie's Doghouse, John M. Collins, Locust Valley, New York is from the website of Abbeville Press, publishers of the book, Barkitecture by Fred Albert.

"Country House for a Pug"
by Dough Cooper

Sometime ago Cooper fell in love with a pug in a pet store window. He started reading about the history of pugs and studying their sturdy, symmetrical phisique. Copper felt the architectural elements of Georgian style in English country houses lent themselves to the spirit and shape of a pug.

© Barbara Denzer

"Untitled"
by Michael Quesenbury

This modern redwood doghouse illustrates the diversity of the exibit. The silver roof is designed to raise and lower for varying wheather conditions.

© Barbara Denzer

"Vernacular Dogatecture"
by Tranh Pham

A circular doghouse with a cone-shaped grassroot, Vernacular Dogatecture begs to be described as "organic" architecture. Recycled glass bottles sticking out here and there provide interior light, while rubber flaps over the door keep out wind and rain.

© Barbara Denzer

"Untitled"
by Dough Smith and the Bay Area Architects

The ultimate in portable canine shelters, this dog houses comes with its own carrying case. It resembles a thin, rectangular box that telescopes outin both directions, gradually becoming smaller at both ends as it expands.

© Barbara Denzer

"A Dog House for Tatters"
by Aleksander Baharlo and Chris Humann

First Place

Tatters is a mixed breed dog who is often seen in his hometown of Berkeley, California, following the bycicle of his homeless owner, Erik. Architects Baharlo and Humann designed the home to resemble a Gypsy wagon, reflecting the itinerant nature of the dog and his owner, and creating a way for the house to be attached to Erik's bicycle. The purchaser of this house commisioned the architects to build an identical version for Erik.

© Barbara Denzer

"Zeus Watch"
by Norman Barret

This truly contemporary design is reminisent of a boat on wheels or perhaps a whale with open mouth. Bright red, white and blue colors highlight the nautical feel.

© Barbara Denzer

"Chapeaux Chateau"
By Anne Stamper

One of the exiibits most colorful entries, this avant-garde structure reflects the French heritage and playful nature of it poodle inhabitant.

© Barbara Denzer

"The Doughouses of Madison County"
by Robert Pennell

Honorable Mention

Designed for the architects springer spaniel, Willie, this popular entry rest on large springs, which meant to be driven partially into the ground -when you live in California, you have to be earthquake prepared. The sides of the house feature spans like a bridge.

© Barbara Denzer

"Flop House"
by G. Force

One of the most imaginative entries, Flop House is made of plywood with slanted "eye" holes for ventilation. By manipulation it's weight, a dog can "flip" shut the attachment, safety enclosing itslef inside the house.

© Barbara Denzer

The following dog houses are from a website of Abbeville Press, publishers of Barkitecture by Fred Albert.

Chessie's Doghouse, John M. Collins, Locust Valley, New York

© Barbara Denzer