Dog Barn

This summer, I really really want to build normy a dog house. He has never really warmed to the idea of a scorching oven of hot wood with no breeze, but with some weekend trips already planned for the upcoming months, we want him to learn how to camp outside overnight like a big boy.  Since he is too big for a house, he shall have a barn. :)  This barn has to be special and aesthetically pleasing, so I am not going to build just anything...I'm going to build a barn with a roof-top garden. These "Green" dog homes are made from rot-resistant red cedar, and apparently the addition of the garden adds a kind of insulation to the house, which should make it a little more comfortable in extreme temperatures - a must in the hot hot summers of Texas.

Check these awesome designs from www.sustainablepet.com. My two favs are in the top picture - -  I love the distressed color of the red one, and the heart cut-out of the white distressed square house - simply adorable! These designs retail for around $1500 dollars, and if you have read my previous posts concerning DIY projects, you will know that I, as a rule, only craft on a budget.  So I plan to design and build one for a fraction of this cost.

Here is a step-by-step guide for building a sustainable dog barn:  http://www.readymade.com/projects/sustainability_goes_to_the_dogs/next_step#steps

Our Dog Barn will certainly not be "Green" - I plan on using some left over roofing materials for the protection and seal of the roof, and would love to plant some succulents (that I have, amazingly, kept alive these last 6  months!) that were originally in my wedding bouquet, as well as some other cuttings from my potted plants that love Texas heat.

Norms should be happy and healthy in his Dog barn in a few weeks! Stay tuned for updated pics of the project. :)


This project can be modified for just about any animal, and it's especially fun for people like me who love being outside enjoying our home, animal, and gardens.  For those of you who are not doggy people, maybe a garden chicken coup is more your style. :) Happy Building!

http://www.kippenhouse.com/products.html