What’s the story?

You could say it’s a slow news Sunday, but not necessarily.

Alright, not every trend that comes out of the States is worth copying. But this one? It’s got people barking. I know that’s lame, but we’re gonna leave that in. Let’s continue…

It’s called barkitecture and yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Building houses around your dog. Literal in-house dog houses. VJ panel walls, mood lighting, the works.

Aaron brought it up on a recent Friday pod, and while it started off as a joke, it actually got us thinking how far would you go to make a home that suits everyone in the family… fur babies included?

Why it matters (sort of)

I thought The Good Builder was meant to deliver us serious news and insights?!

Yeah, we did too. But something light-hearted like this is worth sharing on a Sunday, and if it was good enough for the boys on their podcast, it’s kind of good enough for the news website too.

We get it, barkitecture isn’t going to revolutionise building standards or fix the cost of materials. But it taps into something real: people want homes that reflect how they actually live, and for plenty of Aussie families, that includes making life better for the dog. People tend to choose the number of bedrooms they want or need in a house based on the number of kids they have, whether they work from home etc. What about factoring in the pets? Maybe it’s not so much of a stretch to factor in the pets and what else your house needs when you consider what type of build you want.

Whether it’s practical (dog washing stations, hidden kennels) or playful (custom cubbies under the stairs), these ideas can be a small, fun point of difference for homeowners and a great way for builders and designers to connect with clients.

What’s being said

Aaron was the one who dropped the term on the pod:

“I’m going to break it to the home builders. The next big thing in architecture… it’s barkitecture. Woof woof woof.”

“Would you build your house around your dog?”

Pete wasn’t quite convinced,

“No.”

But Aaron was all in on the concept,

“What it is, it’s being fuelled by these social media images. There was this bloke in the US who started making little nooks and crannies for dogs in homes. So under the staircase, there’d be this little thing, and you’d look in there, it’s a full-on house. Internal dog house.” Aaron explained,

“The premise of it is you build your house around your dog. Brother, forget the family. It’s all about the dogs.”

What should you watch for?

Okay, so no one’s suggesting you drop a couple of grand on a dog room with pendant lights and hardwood floors. (Although, if you’ve got a client who’s into that… give them our number. We want to film it.)

But it does raise a few good ideas worth chatting about with clients:

• Built-in dog nooks: Carving out space under the stairs or in unused corners for a cozy dog bed area.
  
• Pet-friendly flooring: Discussing durable, scratch-resistant flooring options that can withstand the pitter-patter of paws.
  
• Dog wash stations: Incorporating a dedicated spot in the mudroom or laundry for washing off muddy paws.
  
• Outdoor pet spaces: Designing secure, comfortable outdoor areas with shade and shelter for pets to enjoy.
  

In a world of same-same house and land packages, sometimes it’s the lighthearted ideas that spark the best conversations.

Did you read this far? Pete didn’t.

Barkitecture might sound like a pisstake and it kind of is. To be fair the trend has been clickbait on the internet for a little while. It does, however highlight something we see all the time though,

“People want homes that feel personal. That suit their lifestyle. That make them smile.”

“We’ve even seen display homes with a full on dog wash.”

So whether you’re building dream homes, renovating, or just sketching ideas for your next spec design, keep an ear out for the playful stuff.

It might not be serious. But it just might stick.

Author: The Good Builder

The Good Builder is a media platform that provides news and insights for Australia’s home building industry. From exclusive stories and curated insights to bold industry perspectives, we deliver the news and updates that keep builders, suppliers, and the entire home building industry inspired and ahead of the curve.