- Barkitecture 2026 will look to a galaxy far far away for inspiration
- Kevin McCloud MBE returns to lead judging panel
- All kennels will be auctioned for charity
- Goodwoof takes place Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 May 2026. Early bird tickets are available at goodwood.com
Goodwoof’s kennel design competition - Barkitecture - is set to return in 2026 with an out of this world brief, as designers and practices take on the challenge of designing for ‘Dogs in Space’.
A firm fixture of the canine convention which takes place at the Goodwood Estate in West Sussex, Barkitecture has raised over £60,000 for charity since its inception in 2022.
As we look to the future and the possibility of life beyond Earth, at Goodwoof, it is only natural that we should consider how life for our beloved canine companions may change.
The ‘Dogs in Space’ brief invites entrants to consider how a dog might travel into space, or where they might live - perhaps on a space station or planet. Designers are encouraged to think creatively, they could even opt to use space-age materials or provide a dog with the canine comforts of home.
On Sunday 17 May, Goodwoof’s Barkitecture judges, led by Kevin McCloud MBE, will decide the Kennel Design Award and Student Design Award, whilst visitors to Goodwoof will be able to vote for the People & Paws Award.
The kennels will then be auctioned by Bonhams, with all proceeds raised going to the 2026 event charity. Over the years, Barkitecture has supported Dogs Trust, Pets As Therapy, Jai Dog Rescue and Wild At Heart Foundation, with kennels designed for ‘Dogs at Work’ (2023), ‘the Jet-Setting Dog’ (2024), as well as on the theme of ‘From Nature; For Nature’ (2025).
Kevin McCloud, said: “As Barkitecture enters its fifth year, we wanted to take the competition to another level; perhaps even another planet. As we look at the practicalities of life beyond Earth, it's only natural to consider how our canine companions would join us there in style and comfort. Each year, the brilliant architects and practices surpass themselves with their ingenuity and originality and I'm very much looking forward to seeing their cosmic creations.”
Further details of participating architects and concept designs will be announced in the coming months, with all kennels due to be auctioned by Bonhams at Goodwoof on Sunday 17 May. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to Goodwoof’s 2026 event charity supporting rescue dogs.
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