Sustainably-designed doghouses benefit Brazos Valley charities

An Oct. 5, 2013 auction of “green” doghouses, many of which were designed and built by Texas A&M [environmental design] (http://dept.arch.tamu.edu/undergraduate/) students, raised almost $2000 for the [Aggieland Humane Society] (http://aggielandhumane.org) and a group supporting emerging local architects.

The auction culminated the third annual [Brazos Bark and Build] (http://www.barkandbuild.com) sustainable doghouse and dog furniture design competition held by [AIA Brazos] (https://sites.google.com/site/brazosaia/home) , the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects, to raise public awareness about sustainable design while raising funds for the Humane Society and the chapter’s Emerging Professionals Committee.

The competition was held in conjunction with Aggieland Humane Society’s [Wiener Fest] (http://aggielandhumane.org/events/wienerfest2013/) , an event celebrating Brazos Valley dogs of all shapes and sizes and featuring numerous activities including a costume contest, live music and wiener dog races.

Bark and Build competitors were asked to use at least 50-percent recycled, reclaimed or salvaged materials in their final doghouse designs. Solutions including sustainable elements such as a rainwater collection system, green or heat reflective roofs, insulation, or materials with low toxic content earned extra points.

Several first- and second-year environmental design students won awards with their entries, which were built at the College of Architecture’s [woodshop] (http://www.arch.tamu.edu/inside/services/woodshop/) . The students were led by Julie Rogers, senior lecturer of architecture, Ray Holliday, assistant professor of practice, and Seyeon Lee, who is pursuing a [doctorate] (http://dept.arch.tamu.edu/graduate/phd/) in architecture at Texas A&M.

The People’s Choice Award, as chosen by Wiener Fest patrons, went to an entry created by students Alexa Mendoza, Norma Montoya, Carly Roggy and Roxanne Trevino.

The Highest Roller Award, for the team whose doghouse fetched the highest auction price, when to students Amneh Al-Sholi, Mariela Flores, Deborah Madera and Taylor Smith.

The Best in Show Runnerup Award went to students Elijah Cantrell, Emily Cloat, Taylor Durham and Megan Zhang.