BowWow Haus London

According to Chinese astrology, dogs are known to be loyal, smart, sensitive and brave, which is why they are celebrated as part of the Chinese zodiac. What better way to celebrate the year of the dog and our immense love of our furry companions than with a creative initiative that raises much-needed funds for national pet charity Blue Cross.BowWow Haus London is a collaboration between pet charity Blue Cross, not-for-profit organisation Outdoor Arts Foundation and British photographer Drew Gardner. The project has been in development for over a year and is due to kick off at St. Pancras International on Monday, 19^th March. It will feature a collection of up to 70 one-off, unique kennels designed and built by accomplished architects, artists, designers and builders from around the world and we’re delighted to be part of this fantastic initiative. Gus approves as well!

Buddy Box

It’s been such fun brainstorming design ideas and bringing the vision for our kennel to life. The concept for our design developed from our appreciation of versatility and authenticity with inspiration drawn from the form, function and flexibility of a crate or shipping container. A crate is also a secure structure that lends itself to the replication of a dog’s natural den.

We chose corrugated steel due to its adaptable quality and opted for a warm, calming colour palette that traverses all seasons. With carefully considered storage at one end and materials that keep the weight of the kennel low for easy transportation, we incorporated both aesthetics and functionality into the design of ‘Buddy Box’.

Buddy Box, together with the other unique kennel creations will be exhibited at St. Pancras International, Stratford International, the Town Hall Hotel, the Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire and other venues around Central London until 26^th April, when they’ll be auctioned off at a gala event at the Renaissance St. Pancras Hotel, to raise much-needed funds to benefit pets in need.

Where does the money go?

Part of the proceeds from BowWow Haus London will support the Blue Cross Hertfordshire Rehoming Centre Appeal and the Outdoor Arts Foundation. You will help raise vital funds for two not-for-profit organisations dedicated to helping thousands of pets in need and providing unique art-in-public places installations.

How can you get involved?

Visit the exhibitions around London from 19^th March – 26^th April to view the original dog kennels created by acclaimed architects, artists, designers and builders.

After the exhibition, the kennels will go up for sale to the highest bidder on Thursday, 26^th April at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel. To register your interest in attending the auction, please click here.

Bid online: dog lovers as well as art and architecture enthusiasts can participate in an online auction of the kennels in the run-up to the live auction. The online auction will end the night before the live auction with the highest online bids rolling over to the live auction. Proxy bidding will be available for those not able to attend or telephone in to the event. To bid online click here.

To view all the fantastic BowWow Haus London designs click here and to see a curated list of 10 designs for dogs by architecture, interiors and design magazine Dezeen click here.

Watch this space for photos of the exhibition featuring the display of Buddy Box as well as the gala event being hosted at the Renaissance St. Pancras Hotel at the end of April.

Metalwork by DMDesign Ltd @delmccdesign