Bark side of the moon: Goodwoof unveils cosmic kennels
Goodwoof has revealed the out-of-this-world kennels set to go under the hammer on Sunday 17 May as part of Barkitecture presented by Cazenove Capital. The proceeds from the auction will be donated to Battersea, supporting the charity’s vital work.
This year, Goodwoof looked to a galaxy far, far away for inspiration, setting architects and practices the challenge of designing a kennel for ‘Dogs in Space’. Designers were encouraged to consider how a dog might travel into space, where they might live, or even to use space-age materials, all while providing the dog with the canine comforts of home.
Sixteen architects and artists from around the world responded, with the shortlist bringing together an array of architectural and design studios, including the LEGO Group with its U-Woof-O, created by Fairy Bricks.
All entrants will be hoping to get their paws on the much-coveted Kennel Design Award, which will be decided by the stellar judging panel of Kevin McCloud MBE, astronaut Tim Peake CMG, interiors writer, author and presenter Michelle Ogundehin, comedian Bill Bailey and Séamus, Regimental Mascot of the Irish Guards. Visitors to Goodwoof, can cast their own vote for the People & Paws Award.
Since launching in 2022, the Barkitecture auction has generated over £62,000 in charitable donations, supporting animal-welfare organisations. This year, the kennels showcased at Goodwoof will go under the hammer in an auction hosted by Bonhams on Sunday 17 May. All proceeds will support this year’s charity, Battersea, whose mission extends far beyond rehoming. Battersea provides expert training and behavioural guidance, shares specialist knowledge, offers grant funding to rescue partners worldwide, and campaigns for meaningful change – ensuring animals in need receive care, protection and the chance to find a forever home.
Co-curator of Barkitecture, Kevin McCloud, said: “As Barkitecture enters its fifth year, we wanted to take the competition to another level; perhaps even another planet. As we look at the practicalities of life beyond Earth, it’s only natural to consider how our canine companions would join us there in style and comfort. Each year, the brilliant architects and practices surpass themselves with their ingenuity and originality and I’m very much looking forward to seeing their cosmic creations.”
Barkitecture judge and former European Space Agency astronaut, Tim Peake CMG, said: “I’m delighted to have been asked to judge this year’s Barkitecture competition. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the architects embrace the theme and weave a sense of cosmic adventure into their designs. Space exploration has always been about partnership, trust and companionship – qualities we share with our dogs every day. I can’t wait to see how that unique bond inspires these out-of-this-world kennels.”
Those interested in attending the auction and bidding for a kennel can do so by purchasing a Sunday ticket for Goodwoof at goodwood.com.
Photos. Top left: Randell Design Group, PAWdyssey. Top right: Hopkins Architects; The Moon Rover. Bottom left: George + James Architects, Archinaut X. Bottom right: Bill Bailey and furry friend explore LEGO Group’s U-Woof-O by Fairy Bricks. All photos by PA Group.
The PAWDyssey by Randell Design Group
The PAWDyssey is a personalised Pod travel system for the adventurous dogs exploring near and far, with the knowledge that dog owners would always go to the ends of the earth for their canine family members. The PAWDyssey pod provides an independent lifeline for the more inquisitive and mischievous canines that like to jump the fence, escape the confines of their yard and go off exploring on their own.
The concept was to construct a modular pod that could be adapted to suit the size of the traveller. The daring Dachshund may only require the smaller top pod, while the taller combination of modules would allow your lurcher to reach lightspeeds! The cosy enclosed space offers security and sanctuary for our four-legged travellers. The modular pod sits atop a docking ring which serves a dual purpose. It provides extra propulsion for long distance travels and doubles as a base station stocked ready with supplies. Food, water and most importantly, a stock of dog toys are stored ready for the journey ahead.
The kennel is constructed using common materials such as plywood, faux leather and acrylic. It also utilises some of NASA’s greatest inventions that has filtered into daily life such as the memory foam bed for comfortable travel and foil space blanket insulation to keep the less furry passengers’ cosy as it passes through the cold of deep space.
“We are delighted that Randell Design Group is among a small group of world-class architects, designers and artists whose kennel designs are finalists at this year’s Barkitecture competition at Goodwoof.”
Andy Young, Senior Principal
Randell Design Group is passionate about collaboration and wants to acknowledge all those involved in making this project come to life. Architect, Andy Young, spearheaded the design and was assisted by the team at Randell Design Group along with the team at The University of Portsmouth, Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries; Nicki Crowson (School of Architecture, Art and Design); Steve Oliver, Yvette Curtis and Steve Follington (Eldon 3D workshop Team), David Clark (Eldon Photographic Studios). Upholstery was undertaken by Lesley Bushell from Hilda’s Lounge. The doggy models were Ponyo the Cocker Spaniel with owner Emma Addison plus Hugo and Prince the Shih Tzu’s with owner Rachael Clark.
