Today, Goodwoof has unveiled the cosmic kennel designs set to feature in this year’s Barkitecture presented by Cazenove Capital, challenging architects and designers to imagine life for ‘Dogs in Space’. Inspired by lunar living and retro-futurist design, the 2026 showcase includes entries from Grimshaw, RSHP, Kit Kemp Design Studio and, for the first time, the LEGO Group with its canine spacecraft concept, U-Woof-O. The kennels will be judged by Kevin McCloud, Tim Peake, Michelle Ogundehin, Bill Bailey and Séamus, Regimental Mascot of the Irish Guards, before being auctioned in support of Battersea. The U-Woof-O kennel was built by the Master Builders at Fairy Bricks.
Bark side of the moon: Goodwoof unveils cosmic kennels
Barkitecture presented by Cazenove Capital invites designers to create the ultimate kennel for ‘Dogs in Space’.
Space-age kennels will be judged by Kevin McCloud, Tim Peake, Michelle Ogundehin and Bill Bailey.
The LEGO Group is taking part for the first time, entering the ‘U-Woof-O’.
Goodwoof takes place Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 May at the Goodwood Estate in West Sussex.
Tickets available at goodwood.com.
Goodwoof has revealed the out-of-this-world kennels set to go under the hammer on Sunday 17 May as part of Barkitecture presented by Cazenove Capital. The proceeds from the auction will be donated to Battersea, supporting the charity’s vital work.
This year, Goodwoof looked to a galaxy far, far away for inspiration, setting architects and practices the challenge of designing a kennel for ‘Dogs in Space’. Designers were encouraged to consider how a dog might travel into space, where they might live, or even to use space-age materials, all while providing the dog with the canine comforts of home.
16 architects and artists from around the world responded, with the shortlist bringing together an array of architectural and design studios, including the LEGO Group with its U-Woof-O, created by Fairy Bricks. All entrants will be hoping to get their paws on the much-coveted Kennel Design Award, which will be decided by the stellar judging panel of Kevin McCloud MBE, astronaut Tim Peake CMG, interiors writer, author and presenter Michelle Ogundehin, comedian Bill Bailey and Séamus, Regimental Mascot of the Irish Guards. Visitors to Goodwoof, can cast their own vote for the People & Paws Award.
Since launching in 2022, the Barkitecture auction has generated over £62,000 in charitable donations, supporting animal‑welfare organisations. This year, the kennels showcased at Goodwoof will go under the hammer in an auction hosted by Bonhams on Sunday 17 May. All proceeds will support this year’s charity, Battersea, whose mission extends far beyond rehoming. Battersea provides expert training and behavioural guidance, shares specialist knowledge, offers grant funding to rescue partners worldwide, and campaigns for meaningful change – ensuring animals in need receive care, protection and the chance to find a forever home.
Co-curator of Barkitecture, 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.”
Barkitecture judge and former European Space Agency astronaut, Tim Peake CMG, said: “I’m delighted to have been asked to judge this year’s Barkitecture competition. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the architects embrace the theme and weave a sense of cosmic adventure into their designs. Space exploration has always been about partnership, trust and companionship – qualities we share with our dogs every day. I can’t wait to see how that unique bond inspires these out‑of‑this‑world kennels.”
Those interested in attending the auction and bidding for a kennel can do so by purchasing a Sunday ticket for Goodwoof at goodwood.com.
