Foster + Partners Designs a Barc Dog Kennel for the Goodwoof Barkitecture Competition

Foster + Partners‘ Barc dog kennel was created for the Goodwoof Barkitecture competition, highlighting novel kennel design. It took place at Goodwood in West Sussex. The plywood kennel is a response to this year’s brief, which encouraged architects to think about the positive effects dogs have on their owners’ lives, especially at work.

According to Norman Foster, CEO and Founder of Foster + Partners, “Presenting our design at Goodwoof for the second time is a thrill. We have employed a sophisticated material palette to design Barc dog kennel, a portable dog house that adapts to the changing needs of businesses.”

The New Barc Dog Kennel

The kennel’s few simple parts allow for quick assembly, disassembly, and space-saving storage, making it ideal for use in a residence or the workplace. Barc’s adaptability makes it suitable for dogs to accompany their owners everywhere they go.

Known for its expertise in plywood production, Isokon has collaborated extensively with Foster + Partners to produce a highly effective structural shell. The Barc dog kennel’s eye-catching arching roof is made from just one layer of ultra-thin plywood, which is compressed by two contrasting timber dowels.
The dowels are the framework for a cloth sling, which holds a coconut husk cushion for a resilient, raised dog bed. The concept of sustainability, or “doing more with less,” lies at the heart of the minimal use of resources and attention to detail.

Bonhams held a bidding event for the Barc dog kennel on May 21. It was on show at the Barkitecture Gallery at Goodwoof. Pets As Therapy is Goodwoof’s 2023 charity partner, and all proceeds will support their efforts in that capacity. On May 20th and 21st, 2023, Goodwoof took place.