DOX House

Project Summary

Dox House was created to serve as a home for a family and their pet dogs, with dwelling spaces specifically designed to cater to residents' lifestyles and preferences. The word Dox is a play on the words "doc" or doctor, which alludes to the homeowner's job, and "dog", which refers to the family's beloved canines.

The architect and landscape architect studied the dogs' behaviors and body proportions before incorporating them into the design, determining not only the scale of the spaces for the animals to run around but also the walkways and the materials and components of the security system.

A section of the landscape architecture is intended to be integrated into the spatial program of the residence. The design of the internal garden takes into account the presence of light, airflow, water, and ventilation to create an environment in which trees and plants are able to thrive. The transparent roof and skylight allow natural light into the indoor garden and improve ventilation, mimicking the vibe and ambiance of a tropical rain forest. The round pebbles cover the walkways, enhancing the natural characteristics of the garden while enhancing water drainage efficiency. Low hills add levels and dynamism to the landscape and are complemented with perennial shrubs of varying heights for aesthetically pleasing visuals.

A The outdoor yard is surrounded by towering trees and woody plants, where the dogs can run around freely. It is situated in the middle of the spatial program and can be seen from all parts of the house. The yard's distinct levels of slopes allow the canines to explore and experience the space while developing physical strength. In addition, the yard is meant to be devoid of outdoor furniture in order for human users to sit directly on the grass and be at the same eye level as the dogs, fostering familiarity and bonding between the pooches and their owners. The walkways connecting different areas of the space are large enough for the dogs and their owners to stroll side by side, clad with finishing materials whose texture will not harm the four-legged companions' paws. The landscape is developed to allow the dogs to access the designated spaces, while the human living spaces and the dog's quarters are designed to blend in with the surroundings.