Barkitecture is Goodwoof’s annual architecture exhibition and competition, showcasing cutting edge kennel design from 16 architects and artists around the world. When Goodwoof invited us to take part this year, the theme, Dogs in Space, sparked an immediate idea. Barkitecture is one of those rare competitions that manages to be both genuinely rigorous and completely joyful. The standard of entries is remarkable and we are delighted to be among them for the first time.
The result is The Legend of Diego, Astro Dog, a two metre sculpted wooden structure made entirely from British grown timbers and the first piece we have ever created for a dog. We worked with artist Henry Neville Wood, a master woodworker from the Isle of Man, whose practice is rooted in the spirit of the Arts and Crafts movement, defined by material honesty, exceptional skill and a deep respect for the maker’s hand. The piece is both functional and a celebration of British craftsmanship, with a story to tell, Diego’s.
After a long journey through the stars, hunting cosmic rodents, Diego the Astro Dog finally lands on the distant planet Beef Bourguignon. Here he builds his home, a sculpted wooden haven whose curves echo the dunes of his travels, with a hidden resting place at its heart. Each night, Diego curls up on his plinth bed beneath the watchful gaze of his guide.
The design draws on the Arts and Crafts movement, celebrating material honesty and craftsmanship. It is made from British grown timbers, including walnut from Dorset, cherry from the Isle of Man and spalted beech from the Cotswolds, alongside pear, lime, field maple and sycamore. Its composition reflects the solar system, with distinct elements held in balance as one.
For the curtains, we have used Rock Star fabric created with Chelsea Textiles, featuring hand embroidered galaxies, stars and imagined planets yet to be discovered, bringing the narrative to life through texture, colour and craft.
The competition culminates in the Barkitecture Auction on Sunday 17th May, hosted by Bonhams, with all proceeds going to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. Since launching in 2022, the auction has raised over £62,000 for animal welfare and we hope Diego plays his part in adding to that total.
The Legend of Diego, Astro Dog will be on display in the Barkitecture tent in the Duchess Paddock on 16th and 17th May. Come and find him. We believe good design lifts the spirit wherever it lands, and this May it has landed in a field in West Sussex. Discover more and book tickets here.