BarkHouse is a contemporary reimagining of the traditional dog kennel, crafted entirely from cork, an eco conscious material that’s lightweight, durable, and gentle on paws.
Balancing functionality with play, BarkHouse features a hidden ball chute and an integrated area for food and water. Its dark cork construction allows it to blend seamlessly into natural surroundings, creating a thoughtful, design-led space where dogs can rest, refuel, and play.
BarkHouse is our response to the brief: “From nature, for nature.” Inspired by this, we wanted to create something using natural materials, which led us to explore the unique qualities of cork. The result is a dog house made entirely from cork.
This project was part of Goodwoof, an annual event that hosts Barkitecture , a design competition where shortlisted architects and designers are invited to rethink the traditional dog kennel.
Playfully integrated into BarkHouse is a ball chute: drop a ball into the chimney, and it shoots out the front of the house. This small detail adds a layer of fun and interaction for both dog and owner, bringing a sense of play to the design.
To create a truly comfortable space for dogs, we added a side area designed to hold food and water bowls. This thoughtful addition means dogs can refuel, rest, and play, all from the comfort of their cork house.
Dark cork was chosen as we wanted to create a house which not only used a material from nature but felt like it could fit back into nature seamlessly. The darker tones create a warmer, safer environment for the dog. While the playful form and a pop of colour keep the design feeling fresh and modern.
If you’re interested in hearing a bit more about BarkHouse, we would love to chat. We’ve made available a selection of high-resolution material, copy and branding packs below. Just hit the link and download the content, pre-prepared for sharing online and in print.