Project Details
Description
Shortlisted for Barkitecture at Goodwoof 2025 (theme: space)
The Burrow is an experimental (architectural) kennel design developed by Randell Design Group in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth, shortlisted for the 2025 Barkitecture competition at Goodwoof. Responding to the theme “From Nature; For Nature”, the project explores how design can reconnect domesticated dogs with instinctive behaviours found in the wild.
Drawing on observations of animal habitats and behaviours—such as burrowing, nesting, and circular resting patterns—the kennel creates a protective, womb-like interior through carved, organic forms. The design translates these ideas into a tactile, sculpted structure that offers comfort, security, and a closer relationship to natural environments. The split form allows for two separate sleeping spaces, enhancing usability.
The project foregrounds sustainability and collaboration, incorporating natural and recycled materials including wool underlay, acoustic felt, timber, brass, and leather. Exhibited at Goodwoof 2025, The Burrow engaged thousands of visitors and was later auctioned to support the Wild at Heart Foundation. The project demonstrates how architectural thinking can extend beyond human-centred design, using speculative and material practices to address wellbeing, environment, and cross-species inhabitation.
Designers and builders: Randell Design Group, University of Portsmouth: School of Architecture, Art & Design, Eldon 3D Workshops and Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries, along with our amazing contractor partner, New Square Property
The team: Simon Randell, Jo Kroes Randell, Laura van Beek, Katie Underdown, and Andy Young (Randell Design Group); Nicola Crowson (School of Architecture, Art & Design, University of Portsmouth); Steve Oliver, Yvette Curtis, and Steven Chivalry (Eldon 3D Workshop, Faculty of Creative & Cultural Industries, University of Portsmouth); Shaun Guy and Tom Coppin (New Square Property)
Special thanks to: Amanda Talbot and Cosmo at South Downs Cottage; Photography: Julia Toms Photography.
The Burrow is an experimental (architectural) kennel design developed by Randell Design Group in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth, shortlisted for the 2025 Barkitecture competition at Goodwoof. Responding to the theme “From Nature; For Nature”, the project explores how design can reconnect domesticated dogs with instinctive behaviours found in the wild.
Drawing on observations of animal habitats and behaviours—such as burrowing, nesting, and circular resting patterns—the kennel creates a protective, womb-like interior through carved, organic forms. The design translates these ideas into a tactile, sculpted structure that offers comfort, security, and a closer relationship to natural environments. The split form allows for two separate sleeping spaces, enhancing usability.
The project foregrounds sustainability and collaboration, incorporating natural and recycled materials including wool underlay, acoustic felt, timber, brass, and leather. Exhibited at Goodwoof 2025, The Burrow engaged thousands of visitors and was later auctioned to support the Wild at Heart Foundation. The project demonstrates how architectural thinking can extend beyond human-centred design, using speculative and material practices to address wellbeing, environment, and cross-species inhabitation.
Designers and builders: Randell Design Group, University of Portsmouth: School of Architecture, Art & Design, Eldon 3D Workshops and Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries, along with our amazing contractor partner, New Square Property
The team: Simon Randell, Jo Kroes Randell, Laura van Beek, Katie Underdown, and Andy Young (Randell Design Group); Nicola Crowson (School of Architecture, Art & Design, University of Portsmouth); Steve Oliver, Yvette Curtis, and Steven Chivalry (Eldon 3D Workshop, Faculty of Creative & Cultural Industries, University of Portsmouth); Shaun Guy and Tom Coppin (New Square Property)
Special thanks to: Amanda Talbot and Cosmo at South Downs Cottage; Photography: Julia Toms Photography.
| Status | Finished |
|---|---|
| Effective start/end date | 1/11/24 → 18/05/25 |
| Links | https://randelldesigngroup.com/project/barkitecture-dog-kennel-finalist-goodwoof-2025/ |
Collaborative partners
- University of Portsmouth (lead)
- Randell Design Group (Project partner)
- New Square Property (Project partner)
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