Sustainable pet friendly housing
DESIGN story
Dogs hope to share lives with their human families. Like all domesticated animals, the human family means everything to our adopted friends. Dogs, especially, became our best friends. They bonded the most, so we love them back. We adopt them to be lifelong companions. Therefore, it is ironic that so many pets are abandoned. In the United States, over 70% of the population has a pet. Unfortunately, the number of pets left behind by owners is nearly 7.6 million annually. The most common reason is the owner has to relocate to housing that doesn’t allow pets. While many claim they are pet-friendly homes, they actually have a lot of restrictions.
For example, the type and weight of the pet. When we are born, the first space where we experience community is at home, where we should be able to embrace and protect every living thing. Pets cared for and loved by humans should not be rejected. This project is designed as sustainable low-rise housing; a true community that provides an environment where people can live together with their four-legged family.
design statement
Providing an opportunity for pets and their owners to live comfortably, without restriction or economic burden and to build a community of like-minded people that share a strong kinship with their four- legged friends.
demographic
The target demographic belongs to the 'DINKWED' group, which stands for Double Income, No Kids, With Extra Dog. The target audience typically consists of newly married couples who are passionate about animal welfare, as evidenced by their choice to adopt and raise a Labrador Retriever, a bond formed during their time volunteering at a shelter. These individuals are known for their open-mindedness, appreciation for nature, and sociability. Considering these characteristics, we have strategically chosen East Hollywood as our focus area. This decision aligns well with the typical income levels of our demographic. Moreover, East Hollywood's reputation as a vibrant, millennial-friendly city makes it an ideal match for its lifestyle and values.
site_EAST HOLLYWOOD
652 N Westmoreland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
East Hollywood is a magnet for free-spirited millennials, drawn to its unique charm and vibrant culture. However, a notable gap in the area is the lack of adequate pet-friendly spaces. Recognizing this, our decision to choose this location was influenced by the opportunity to offer ample space for residents, addressing the need for more pet-friendly environments.
COlor & material palette
Nearly all materials utilized in this project are sourced from second-use items. This approach stems from a notable observation: when pets are abandoned, numerous pet-related items often end up discarded. By repurposing these items, such as transforming a discarded dog house door into an element of the building's facade, valuable resources are efficiently reused, contributing to sustainability and waste reduction.
program
section view
Pet Boarding Shop
floor plan
Site Plan
public garden
Here, you can relax outside, and meet like-minded pet lovers that live close by.
Public garden
This garden, accessible to both residents and neighboring community members, offers an ideal space for dog owners to enjoy leisurely walks with their pets. Additionally, for pets staying at the Boarding Shop, the shop's staff will utilize this garden for their walking routines. This arrangement not only enriches the lives of the pets but also fosters a sense of community among pet owners in the area.
Pet boarding shop
Offering temporary care for pets, a boarding service presents an ideal alternative to leaving them alone at home. The staff at the Pet Boarding shop are equipped not only to provide care but also to facilitate temporary pet protection arrangements with nearby neighbors. Furthermore, they actively engage in rescue operations for abandoned pets, showcasing a commitment to animal welfare and community support.
program (residence)
FIRST FLOOR
SECOND FLOOR
floor plan (residence)
section view (residence)
APARTment Living
The low sofa is designed to be accessible for small dogs and puppies, and is built-in furniture.
home atrium
The atrium on the first floor provides a tranquil space for both pets and their owners. It’s an ideal spot for relaxation.
residence attic
The second floor of the apartment features the ‘Attic,’ a dedicated play space exclusively for pets. While the area is reserved for pet use, owners can observe and enjoy watching their pets at play.
home pet room & stairwell
The pet grooming station is designed to make it easy to give your pet a bath. Washing stations are at ‘people height’, in the Pet Room.
The apartment stairwell offers views halfway up, for people - or pets - to get a look outside.
private garden (2nd floor)
Each apartment unit is equipped with doggie doors that open into a private garden, providing four-legged residents the freedom to move in and out at their leisure. Additionally, these private gardens have direct access to the Public Garden located just behind, offering an extended space for pets to explore and enjoy.
sustainability system
smart system
The specially designed smartphone app provides residents with an innovative way to monitor and manage their living environment. One of its unique features includes the ability to check if there’s enough dog waste to illuminate the garden lights. Users can adjust the light intensity directly from the app, which also displays the amount of power being used, helping residents track their energy consumption.
Furthermore, the app offers convenient control over the windows in each home, including those hard-to-reach ceiling windows, allowing for easy opening and closing.
In addition to these features, the app plays a crucial role in the temporary protection of abandoned pets. It enables the uploading of a dog’s profile and facilitates communication between residents who are temporarily caring for the animal, aiding in efforts to find a new home for the pet. Residents can also use the app to book training classes at the pet boarding shop, adding another layer of convenience and community engagement.
inspiration
The design of the public garden draws inspiration from the concept of a blanket, symbolizing the idea of embracing and encompassing all elements. This aligns seamlessly with the overarching design concept.
The project, characterized by a subdivision style of housing, is ingeniously crafted to overlap, much like interlocking hands. This architectural approach not only adds aesthetic appeal but also metaphorically represents the essence of community and togetherness.
