The inaugural BarkHaus competition saw prominent Auckland architects – including Bull O’Sullivan Architects, Jack McKinney Architects and Matter Architects – design pads for furry friends. The top three dog houses, as voted by the public, were constructed and auctioned off on 14 November, raising $26,550 for the charity Pet Refuge. 

Twelve firms were invited to compete in the BarkHaus competition and designs were displayed in Ponsonby central, with the public able to note their favourite. In the end, houses from Dorrington Atcheson Architects (DAA), RTA Studio and Milieu Architecture and Design were voted as the top three. During the auction, hosted by Peter Wolfkamp, DAA’s “The Pup Tent” sold for the most, bringing in $6000. Milieu Architects’ project, “Chien-Lounge”, went for  $3500, with a second ordered for $3000, and RTA Studio’s pad, “Doggy Stylin”, sold for $3250. Other items were also auctioned to benefit the charity. 

Real estate company Ray White Damerell Group got behind the BarkHaus idea, marketing the top three designs and hosting doggy open homes. “It’s clear that BarkHaus really captured the public’s imagination, so we’d love for it to go bigger,” creator John Williams says.

Staff from DAA were asked to create a dog house design for the invite-only competition and, they said, “With our dog Shadow such an integral part of the office, how could we refuse?” The team noted that the project was a fun opportunity to take a break from the seriousness of work and do something for a good cause. 

Pet Refuge founder Julie Chapman says the outcome is fantastic for the charity. “This money will make a huge difference in helping both pets and people who are currently trapped in domestic violence, and we’d like to thank everyone for their support.”

For more information visit barkhaus.co.nz.