Architects: archimania Location: Memphis, TN, USA Building area: 11.25 sf Total cost: $1,554 Completion date: October 2009 Photography: Chad Mellon Photography
To design a dog house for a rescue charity event based upon a conceptual idea, constructed of durable materials, and to serve as an aesthetic attribute to the back yard.
Concept. The idea for the house originated with a matchbox. Like the matchbox, it is constructed of two components: Outer Wrapper + Inner Box. The wrapper serves as the protective skin while the inner box is more intimate, offering a softer atmosphere for the dog.
Realization. With any doghouse, cleanliness is always an issue. The matchbox concept allows the inner box to be slid from its outer wrapper and easily washed. Once dry, the box can be slid back into place and Fido can re-inhabit his house until the next cleaning.
Forming the outer wrapper is a single ¼” sheet of steel folded repeatedly to take on the profile of the typical gable-roofed doghouse. The steel wraps an inner box of stained wood while elevating it above the ground. Utilizing an automotive paint finish, the steel sheet protects from the elements while the wooden box offers a softer lining that permits the passage of breezes between its many slats. Rigid, industrial felt (1/2” thickness) cut to match the interior dimensions of the box can be installed in cooler temps and tied to the wooden frame, thus minimizing air infiltration. The highly reflective finish of the steel reflects sunlight and minimizes heat gain in warmer temps while also serving as a durable finish in need of only an occasional wax and buff.
