Architects are crazy for cosy canines
Pijuan Design Workshop’s goal was to make a space dogs wouldn’t want to leave
If you love good architecture and you’re crazy about your canine, what could be more fun than designing architecturally pleasing and downright delectable doggie digs?
California architects Alejandro and Sarah Pijuan — of Pijuan Design Workshop (PDW) — first came up with their beautiful designs, modelled after mid-century architecture, five years ago.
“We’re drawn to its clean lines and simple designs that blur the line between the indoor and outdoor living space,” Pijuan explains. “In its simplistic form, mid-century modern implores details that are structurally logical, such as exposed post and beam which allows for more open, inviting spaces.”
Their firms’ dog retreats can be located in an office, home or backyard. “We start with the size of dog we’re designing for: chihuahua, beagle, husky, German shepherd?” she says. “We establish the main living area using standard dog crate sizes: small, medium, large and extra large. Then we work with a multitude of different amenities for what a dog might enjoy daily.”
Pijuan says PDW’s goal in their designs is to make dogs never want to leave.
“Fun, fun and more fun. With different elements, from green roofs to peak-a-boo windows to stepping platforms — high and low — which allow them to use their house as a play area, too.
Food and water, essentials for a happy dog, are also integrated and designed to be inboard and under cover to protect from the elements. This way the dog can have his cake and eat it too.”
All homes are fully customizable from the size and placement of the dog bowl to the colour of the wood siding. The company ships throughout the U.S. and Canada.
1118 Woof Ranch Stylish with a low-pitched roof and eaves, the interior is shaded with passive ventilation to keep your pooch cool on warm days. A stretch of artificial turn extends to the deck outdoors.
Extended eaves allows water to run into a custom planter, below. Materials: Solid hardwood interior, select pine trim, cedar shingle roofing and artificial turf. Clerestory windows are cast acrylic, food bowl ledge is composite end grain wood, finished in water-resistant coating. Price: $2,800 (U.S.)
Dog Re-Treat This doghouse boasts a live roof system with carex grass planted in a two-by-three foot grid.
In addition to being esthetically pleasing, the green roof provides a temperature barrier for the home as well as a great place for your dog to lounge. Access to the roof is through the back ledge. Materials: Recycled wood palette Price: $2,800 (U.S.)
Dog Tower 9 PDW describes this design as “a combination of the love we have for our pets and the lure of South Bay beach culture with modern furniture.”
This dog retreat combines with an end table, making reading a book and ear scratching all that much easier. Books, tchotchkes and even a glass of wine fit on top. A cool veranda and open concept design make it all that much easier to monitor what’s going on. Materials: Real mahogany veneer, solid walnut accents. Price: $2,250 (U.S.)
House N Home Juan describes this “four-legged” furniture piece as an ode to the standard A-frame doghouse that canines wagged their tails at back in the ’80s. It’s a 36-by-30 inch cube with a flat surface on top for lamps or other decorative elements, there’s also a shelving area. Materials: Hardwood finished in walnut with a sealed semigloss finish. Price: $1,900