Reimagining the Dog House Through Robotic Fabrication

Exploring Texture and Non-Planar Printing in Concrete

People have been 3D printing houses for people for years. This project explores what happens when the same technology is applied to a much smaller resident.

Designed for Lars' dog Agu, the project reimagines the traditional dog house as an object of design research. The result is a soft, egg-shaped shelter featuring a woven surface texture and a subtle pink color gradient that challenge common perceptions of concrete as a purely structural material.

Designing Through Texture

The defining feature of the project is its woven surface pattern. Rather than creating a smooth shell, the geometry introduces depth, shadow, and a tactile quality that changes throughout the day as light moves across the surface.

The texture gives the object a surprisingly soft appearance, making the concrete structure feel more like a woven textile than a conventional printed object.

Non-Planar Fabrication

The project also served as an opportunity to explore non-planar concrete printing.

The entrance geometry was designed to create a small integrated porch where a dog can comfortably rest its head and observe its surroundings. Producing this feature required the print path to follow the geometry rather than relying solely on conventional horizontal layers.

While subtle, this detail demonstrates how robotic fabrication can integrate functional and aesthetic features directly into the printing process.

From Experiment to Object

Although playful in nature, the project allowed us to investigate the relationship between texture, color, geometry, and user experience at a smaller scale.

Inspired by a design developed by Uniqum in 2020, the project became an opportunity to explore how robotic concrete printing can be used not only for architecture and construction, but also for product design and expressive objects.

Project Information

Project: Woven Shelter
Type: Experimental Product Design
Technology: Non-Planar 3D Concrete Printing
Material: Pigmented Concrete
Application: Outdoor Shelter / Design Prototype

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