Barkitecture is back!

Britain’s leading kennel design competition Barkitecture returns to Goodwoof in May. A firm favourite amongst visitors and at the heart of the event, a new collection of beautiful and intriguing kennels designed by internationally-renowned architects, will be created as the perfect space for our canine companions and showcase outstanding craftsmanship.

Located in the Duchess Paddock, the Barkitecture tent will be home to the exhibition of the twelve shortlisted kennels across the weekend. You and your dog can inspect each one and judge them on design and functionality, and for the first time ever, participate in the People’s Choice vote. Guests to Goodwoof will have the opportunity to cast their vote for the best kennel when they visit the Barkitecture tent over the weekend.

Alongside the new People’s Choice vote is the highly anticipated Kennel Design Award which is curated by Kevin McCloud MBE, and judged by a panel on Sunday 18 May. Each kennel will be judged against a set of parameters including canine wellbeing, durability, architectural ambition and, of course, the delight of the dog. Given the focus on nature in this year’s theme, particular credit will be given to the use of natural, locally sourced and sustainable materials. 

Finally, months of planning, designing and building the shortlisted kennels will culminate in the thrilling Bonhams Barkitecture Auction. Taking place on Sunday 18 May, Bonhams will auction off each design to the highest bidder with all proceeds going to the Goodwoof 2025 charity partner, Wild at Heart Foundation.

The best part of the auction is that anyone can bid, so if you and your pooch take a liking to one of the kennels, throw your paddle up in aid of Wild at Heart Foundation’s vital work. The winner of 2024's competition was Rolls Royce - Anders Warming with "Pet-All" which sold for £1,300 in the Bonhams Barkitecture Auction, and we can’t wait to see how much will be raised in 2025.

The 2025 Barkitecture theme

Each year architects are challenged to design a spectacular 21st century dog house inspired by the annual theme. Berkitecture’s 2025 theme is “From Nature; For Nature” which celebrates three things: the unique connection dogs have with the natural environment we share with them; how, through their personalities, they interpret their experiences of that environment; and, in turn, the appreciation and love for the natural world that they can instill in us.

The shortlist for 2025 

Each year the Barkitecture has grown in popularity with both guests and architects alike, and has seen distinguished and world-renowned architecture practices excited to submit their concepts for judging. Previous Barkitecture alumni include Foster + Partners, Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners and Love From design business comprising of Jony Ive and Marc Newson. This year sees twelve practices shortlisted with seven new entrants. 

So without further delay we are delighted to introduce the 2025 Barkitecture Shortlist:

ADAM Architecture 
New to Barkitecture, Winchester and London-based practice ADAM Architecture bring their submission “Enduring Tradition” to this year’s competition. The design highlights the elevated role of the modern dog within the family home, drawing inspiration from Palladian Villas.

Designed for versatility, the structure is portable, ensuring that dogs can enjoy the sun’s warmth or seek shelter from the elements, adapting to the unpredictable British weather.

ECE Architecture
Local architectural practice ECE Architecture draws inspiration from the protective embrace of a nut’s shell for their design, symbolising strength and sanctuary. The kennel’s exterior is robust and enduring, crafted to thrive in the natural environment, allowing dogs to immerse themselves in the scents and sounds of the outdoors. Combining comfort with practicality, the structure will be built using locally sourced timber and 100% sustainable materials.

George & James Architects Ltd
With an extensive portfolio covering a range of building types and following on from their design "Archi's Travel Trunk" in 2024, George & James Architects Ltd. have returned to the competition with "A Whippet in Sheep's Clothing".

Designed with their beloved whippet Archi in mind, the structure takes inspiration from the iconic forms of Alvar Aalto and Charles and Ray Eames. The kennel will be crafted from curved plywood and locally sourced Harting sheepskins, creating a tactile and cosy retreat for our four-legged friends.

Hall + Bednarczyk Architects
The award-winning practice, which has participated in Barkitecture for the past four years, is known for its innovative approach to residential, commercial and public architecture. This year, they will apply their expertise to designing a kennel inspired by the timeless artistry of traditional clay-coiled pots, blending craftsmanship with contemporary design.

Haysom Ward Miller Architects
Cambridge-based practice Haysom Ward Miller bring their submission “Sticks Me Woof’d” to this year’s competition. The design will be crafted from repurposed timber and features five perforated blocks of varying sizes, which can be rotated to showcase the cherished treasures dogs typically collect.

Lisa Traxler
Taking inspiration from the natural world and the striking camouflage patterns of zebras and World War I Dazzle Ships, artist Lisa Traxler, has designed “Camwooflage - DAZZLE DOG”.

Embracing the concept of ‘hiding in plain sight’, the kennel provides an incognito haven, blending seamlessly with the natural environment while offering a visually captivating habitat for dogs to enjoy.

Lord David Snowdon and Matthew Rice, created with Scott Simpson
Putting British craftsmanship in the spotlight, "Snowdon Dog House" has been designed to enjoy nature with your canine companion. The teepee-like structure combines handwoven willow - by sculptor Emma Stothard - with beautiful weatherproof organic cotton from British Millerain and a large dog bed made with Sanderson material.

Max McMurdo
Entering Barkitecture for the first time, designer, author and TV presenter Max McMurdo has created a kennel for stray dogs - those often left without a home or shelter.

The design will be a self-sufficient space made from natural and sustainable materials, equipped with a rainwater harvesting system for drinking and watering plants, a food dispenser and a heated blanket.

Named after Max’s late Jack Russell ‘Bob’, the kennel provides a much-needed sanctuary for dogs who are all too familiar with the harsh outdoors.

Pell-Stevens Architects
Inspired by the art of origami, Pell-Stevens' “Pointer Paper Pavilion” is crafted entirely from a single material - cardboard. The Hampshire-based practice will use cardboard tubes to create a remarkably sturdy, waste-free kennel that can be tailored to accommodate dogs of all sizes.

Randell Design Group
With a clear focus on reuniting domesticated animals with nature, Randell Design Group has designed “The Burrow” - a kennel inspired by the natural behaviour of dogs as they pace in a spiral before curling to rest.

The structure will create a nest-like home that offers safety, security and comfort. Made from upholstery filling sheets -  composed of natural fibres - the design provides a non-toxic, cosy resting space for canines.

Sebastian Conran and Beta Design Office 
Returning to the competition with their design “Bark House”, Sebastian Conran and Beta Design Office have collaborated to create an innovative kennel made entirely from cork - a sustainable material known for being hypoallergenic and gentle on paws.

Packed with thoughtful features, the design includes a paddling pool, a water trough and a tennis ball chute. The soft, curved shape creates an inviting space while seamlessly blending contemporary aesthetics with functional design.

SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill) 
Responsible for some of the world’s most technically and environmentally advanced buildings, Barkitecture will go global this year with an entry from the LA office of SOM.

Their design “Hover” is conceived as a retreat that caters to the various ways dogs sit, sleep and lounge, inspired by the principles of weightlessness, flexibility and comfort. Crafted from sustainable and recycled materials, the structure achieves maximum strength with minimal material use.

See all the action at Goodwoof on 17 and 18 May. Early bird tickets are now on sale.

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