An Energy-Producing Dog House

This energy-producing dog house was built by Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture.

Accompanying the 2017 Solar Decathlon was the Sustainable BARKitecture Dog House Competition, a challenge to local Denver architecture firms to design and build the ideal solar dog house.

The homes were built for a specific Canine Airport Therapy dog and were on display at the Denver International Airport through Oct. 9th, 2017. The homes were sold in an online auction to benefit the Dumb Friends League.

 

SUSTAINABILITY INNOVATION:
With a footprint of only 3’ x 5’6,” this house saves on energy by its smaller design. The geometric design was driven by the reuse of existing material. The solar panel, which is angled to optimize maximum energy creation, powers both indoor and outdoor electrical outlets, so when Butler is not watching his favorite show on Animal Planet, his people can use the outlet to power their electric lawn trimmer. The covered porch provides Butler protection from the elements while he’s on varmint lookout.

INSPIRED BY:
DEN Canine Airport Therapy Squad dog, Butler, a shepherd mix who is fond of people-food and chasing varmints.

 

 

DESIGN CONCEPT:
Re-duce, re-use, re-treat: to reduce energy consumption, footprint and water usage; reuse existing materials to protect future canine generations; and to create a retreat for Butler that incorporates stimulating yet tranquil design features that will allow him to re-charge for a new day of wagging and photo ops with DEN passengers.

 

Architecture Firm: Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture http://brsarch.com/

Learn more about the Canine Airport Therapy Squad.

 

Keya Lea

Keya Lea likes to spend time outside, enjoying the sun.

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