CRTKL’s Fetch House Awarded Honorable Mention in The Architect’s Newspaper Best of Design Awards

Announcement | December 2, 2020

DALLAS, Texas – December 2nd, 2020 – The CRTKL-designed, 3-D printed doghouse Fetch House has been awarded an honorable mention in The Architect’s Newspaper Best of Design Awards in the Research category.

CallisonRTKL’s Fetch House is a doghouse digitally fabricated using 3D-printed modules and over 1,000 tennis balls and was originally submitted as our entry for the 2019 Bark + Build Pet House Design & Build Competition sponsored by the Dallas Chapter of the AIA and TEXO. The design starts with a continuous façade comprised of standard size tennis balls which are then interconnected by a modular support structure 3-D printed using lightweight plastic. The balls, which are held in place by compression, can be pulled out so you can play fetch with your dog. After hours of enjoyment, the balls can be reinserted into the doghouse.  The cellular nature of the design allows you to remove balls randomly or create unique patterns that allow for more light or air filtration.

“Ultimately, we wanted to create a platform that allows individuals to customize the doghouse design based on their specific dog,” says Brendan O’Grady, Vice President in CRTKL’s Dallas office. “They can then download the digital model and use a local maker space or their own desktop 3D printer to fabricate the structure.”

With a reputation for a smart, informed perspective on architecture and design, The Architect’s Newspaper applies the same high standards to the Best of Design Awards. This year, the robust jury is composed of 12 leading architects, engineers, construction, design professionals and AN editors. Entries were evaluated for innovation, aesthetics, performance and value.