Presentation Ideas...

Presentation Charette & Final Site/Floor Plan

Mother of All Sections

Precis 4

Kennel Details

This image is absolutely beautiful, I love the material choices as well as the level of detail for joinery.

The use of stone in outdoor spaces are highly ideal, for they are very absorptive of any exposure to liquids. Rain or waste, the stone will absorb the fluids and return it to the earth. Exposure to direct sunlight is also highly beneficial, as the contact of stone and sun are self disinfecting--great for a dog run!

I also want to take note of the setbacks/reveals in relation to the stone walls, the metal columns, the overhead trellis, and the plants. The stone walls are separated from the metal columns, creating a reveal that allows the opportunity for plant growth. Above, these columns support an overhead trellis for spacial qualities. Once the plants around the columns have reached a higher maturity, they will continue to grow along the trellises, providing great light filtration.

For my project, this is image fabulous in helping me define details. I love the stone walls for its absorptive qualities, its self disinfecting, and its potential for absorbing sound. The reveal has inspired me of how to separate the dog facades from the human walkway. I want it separate enough to feel safe and relaxed, yet close enough to experience the emotional qualities of each dog. Having the continuous overhead trellis and the embracive qualities of the columns help demonstrate my desired effect.

Threshold

Interior & Exterior framing by columns.

Courtyard Experience

I love the indoor and outdoor qualities of this image, specifically pertaining to the dog kennel area with an embraced courtyard.

As a visitor, I would walk down this sheltered path, with the dogs showcased to my left and greenery showcased on my right. The scene is relaxing and revitalizing, I can't wait for one of these dogs to enjoy this experience with me...

Precis 3

Schematics: Dog Kennel Configuration

This is the trapazoidal dog runs configured together to make a large polygonal kennel. Only a portion of the interior will be covered, like the interior dog room and the walkway. In the center, where there is no roof, will be the courtyard. This will help relax the dogs, absorb noise, and filter odors.

Not sure of the practicality of having it half-roofed. Perhaps there is a solution/fix to this that I have not stumbled upon...


"I thought I’d go check out the dog kennels, which is really quite interesting. The shape is functional for its occupants and for the exhaustive volume of dogs. In the center is a courtyard with an open roof exposed to the clear sky. Surrounding this courtyard is my walkway, which is covered to protect me incase it was not such a beautiful day. Continuing my path, I make a complete circle. Between each dog kennel are coniferous trees, to last year round for sound and odor filtration. The sight of trees and the exposed sky is stimulating for the dogs, as a dog cannot resist the outdoors. If I am interested in a dog, I can have an attendant bring the dog into the courtyard where we can have a “meet and greet in the park.”

Schematic: Entry Way

This is a more developed facade of what was posted below.


+Stained concrete pathway: SoyCrete Acid-Alternative
+CMU block wall construction
+CMU textured block finish (original)
+Stained concrete "plaster" walls
+Storefront Aluminum Doors
+Operable windows: awning & double-hung
+Cupolas! Must be inter-designed with windows
+NC friendly trees: drought resistant, easy to grow, easy to maintain, deciduous & coniferous

"Upon approaching the main entry, my eyes take note of my surroundings. I can see a glimpse of a large polygonal building hidden behind deciduous and coniferous trees, filtering dog barks and the accompanying odors. The sight relaxes me, especially the variety of rich dark evergreens, saturated maples of red, green, and yellow leaves, and the white burst of dogwood florals to remind me of our beautiful state of North Carolina. Extending from the polygonal building I see a breezeway, which surely must appreciate the same view of abundant trees, leading my eyes to the main gable front entry. The shape is very simple and completely symmetrical, reminding me of a child’s typical drawing of a house—a farmhouse, at that. The entry façade is supported with exposed cool grey cinderblock walls, alleviated with a light warm brown plastered center, and accented with bright red windows, doors, and cupolas. The exposure to raw materials makes me feel healthy and grounded, especially when I look down to see this beautiful stained and textured concrete walkway that pulls together all materials and sights."

Schematic : Overall Idea

In this rendering, I have assembled my research in an overall idea. The bottom right is the visitor parking. Once parked, the visitor approaches the main entry, which is showcased with a front steep pitched gable. Recessed in the back are the breezeway passages, connecting on the left to the cat atrium and to the left leads into the dog kennel polygon. The overall style is farmhouse, the cupolas above each major area is per ventilation research, all windows are operable, materials must be impervious to moisture as per code: concrete floors, CMU textured wall construction (original), slate alternative roofing, and NC-friendly trees.

Schematic Floor Plan [see post below]

The existing structure is the backward "L" block near the center, with the existing employee parking lot to the far left and the existing driveway along the bottom edge. In the center of the "L" block, I have added what will become the new main lobby/reception/entry for all visitors. Once checked-in, one can choose to go left toward the cat atrium or one can choose to go to the right and enter the dog kennels. Notice the breezeways that connect these spaces...especially the simple geometry as that of functionalists & farmhouses. The key to farmhouse design is simplicity and function, where life thrives from occupants (animals & people) upon its beautiful landscape.

I'm excited to say that I will be using "farmhouse" style and barns as my "concept!"

Dog Kennel & Run Configuration

I would like to introduce a "new" approach to dog kennels, an idea borrowed from 19th century European Functionalism of horse stables. Because dogs and horses are of the same species, I have continued my research accordingly with consideration of a higher domestic fragility for the dog.

In this model, the shape of the overall run is trapazoidal. The narrow end will be interior and small in size, a place for sleep or relaxation for the dog. On the opposite end, the shape continues to broaden as to maintain the running line for dog activity and increase his or her ever-so-important TERRITORY!

Through my research, I have learned the importance of territory for dogs. A major contributer to stress in such animals is the mental instability of being without territory. Another stress contributer for dogs is the great outdoors. Exposure to sunlight and landscaping is an eager instinct that if considered and exercised, stress levels will reduce...as will bad behaviors such as barking, digging, aggression, etc.

When multiple runs are configured together, a polygonal kennel is completed. This will allow for an "interior" courtyard in the center of the polygon for dog exercise and "meet & greet time in the park" with potential adoptees. Walkways will line the perimeter of both the interior and exterior contours of the polygon.

For system and material code research, dog surfaces have to be impervious to moisture. Therefore, I will incorporate radiant floor heating so that fluids can dry quickly, helping control sanitary standards. Radiant floor heating is the system of choice for animals and humans, as the thermal comfort from ground up is undeniable!

Individual drains are also highly recommended, instead of trench drains. Individual drains keep wastes separated from another's waste, preventing disease and illness transmission.