12 architect-designed kennels shortlisted for Goodwoof’s Barkitecture competition

Dog event Goodwoof has revealed its shortlist for 12 architect-designed kennels as part of its annual Barkitecture competition. Architects were asked to design the “ultimate canine retreat” that “embraces the great outdoors.”

Described as Britain’s leading kennel design competition, the architectural exhibition at Goodwoof seeks to combine cutting-edge design with craftsmanship. The 12 shortlisted firms in the 2025 edition will now compete for the Kennel Design Award using kennel designs that were “inspired by the theme From Nature; For Nature; creating the ultimate sanctuary for our four-legged friends that embraces the natural world.”

“Our beloved dogs adore the great outdoors, making the theme a wonderful way for us humans to reconnect with the natural world we share with them,” Barkitecture judge and architectural TV personality Kevin McCloud said about the designs. “I’m really looking forward to seeing how this year’s architects embrace the theme and weave a sense of adventure into their designs.”

The 12 shortlisted practices, and a selection of their designs, are listed below. Goodwoof 2025 takes place on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May, where the 12 kennels will be auctioned off to raise funds for the Wild at Heart Foundation to “facilitate sterilisation, education, and welfare programmes to help reduce the number of stray dogs worldwide.”

ADAM Architecture  

Description: "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."

Lord David Snowdon and Matthew Rice, created with Scott Simpson  

Description: "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."

ECE Architecture + Millimetre 

Description: "Local architectural practice ECE Architecture, in collaboration with Millimetre, 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 

Description: "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  

Description: "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 

Description: "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."

Lincoln Miles Architecture 

Description: "Taking inspiration from the natural world and the striking camouflage patterns of zebras and World War I Dazzle Ships, Lincoln Miles Architecture, in collaboration with 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."

Max McMurdo 

Description: "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 

Description: "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 

Description: "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  

Description: "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)

Description: "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."