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.

Breezeway Connector

Per each threshold of sequence of space, I have proposed to have an extended connector piece that will function for a variety of well-being purposes. First, I hope to have this connector piece feel like a breezeway, where fresh air & plant life landscaping will relax tensions from the anxieties of the adoption field. Second, such introductions and opportunities of fresh air & landscaping will improve indoor air quality. In conjunction, designed use of air flow and landscaping can help relax tensions & anxieties by improved air quality, promoting better moods with a healthy atmosphere.

For materials and code, impervious surfaces are required per the Animal Welfare Act. Because this area has the potential to be either a "sealed" interior space or an "open" interior space, I wonder what my options are:

If the breezeway is interior, than I must have impervious surfaces. I have researched either concrete or porcelain tiles to be the best of choice. Porcelain and ceramic are essentially the same thing, porcelain being of commercial ratings and performance. Concrete is concrete, but fun applications are available to enhance appearance and feel. Whatever the choice of surface, radiant floor heating will be applied for comfort and sanitation (fluids will dry up, preventing unwanted transmission of disease & etc). Large operable windows can help bring the outdoors in, achieving the hopes of an open breezeway, as expressed below.

If the breezeway is an open breezeway to the outdoors, than I wonder if the materials can be porous? This would make logical sense since natural materials, such as limestone or brick, absorb water and nutrients. Cleaning can be achieved through pressure washing, and also, the benefit of sun exposure to limestone is a natural disinfectant--perfect! Having an open breezeway would require thought to inconvenient weather conditions, such as precipitation--which can be moderately controlled with an overhead roof and radiant floor heating. Grates will also have to be incorporated to prevent puddling. Also, threshold transitions from this open breezeway to "sealed" interiors (cat atrium or lobby) can create drafts if not cohesively planned/designed. Drafts kill. Although the emotion and feel of an open breezeway would be more desirable, practicality may not be in favour...

Cat Atrium

I have been exploring the many possible configurations for the cat zone. Currently, cats are caged in two separate rooms 24/7. I will propose to change this, creating an area for healthy cats to play and interact within a "jungle" setting--like, cat trees, vertical elements, and other features that stimulate feline characteristics.

Another possibility for the jungle, only in this model, the atrium is dominating in size and scale. Group interaction and playtime will prevail per the opportunity. Alternatively, this configuration can be adjusted per size and scale so that individual cages and the jungle area are equally balanced.

For materials and code per the Animal Welfare Act, surfaces have to be impervious to moisture. Currently, my material of choice is porcelain. Porcelain is a commercial grade tile that comes in a variety of finishes, textures, and colors. Grouts can be impervious by using sandless grout or a 1:1 epoxy grout--highly recommended. For acoustical control and cat preference, I'd like to incorporate some natural materials like reeds or coir--cat scratch heaven! This material looks promising, as such grasses are unable to absorb are highly resistant. I could use this on walls or on cat trees! Longevity and sanitation are issues for such a high volume of cats, can oils from cats' nails be harmful? If so, this material could be applied to intangible surfaces like the ceiling or high walls.

Cat Atrium

I have been exploring the many possible configurations for the cat zone. Currently, cats are caged in two separate rooms 24/7. I will propose to change this, creating an area for healthy cats to play and interact within a "jungle" setting--like, cat trees, vertical elements, and other features that stimulate feline characteristics. In this sketch model, the individual cages are in the back with the jungle in the front.