wienerberger and Hall + Bednarczyk Architects Unite at Goodwood’s Barkitecture 2025

wienerberger is proud to have supported Hall + Bednarczyk Architects at the 2025 Barkitecture architectural exhibition.  Selected by a prestigious judging panel led by Kevin McCloud, Bill Bailey, and the Duke of Richmond, the team’s latest canine creation turned heads—and raised vital funds for charity.

Inspired by Nature, Built with Clay

This year’s design theme, "From Nature, For Nature", challenged participants to reflect nature’s influence in both concept and construction. Hall + Bednarczyk’s imaginative response drew inspiration from the natural instincts of dogs—specifically their joy in digging and unearthing clay. This playful, organic idea led to a kennel design that echoed the form of ancient coiled clay pots—one of the oldest and most sustainable construction techniques known to humankind.

Designed as a versatile, elegant, and robust vessel, the kennel blended form and function beautifully. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings, its handcrafted aesthetic was complemented by the practical consideration that it could withstand a garden hosing—making it as resilient as it is refined.

wienerberger Craftsmanship at the core

wienerberger was delighted to contribute its expertise and materials to help bring this inspired vision to life. Our in-house sculptor, Ian Martinson, worked closely with the Hall + Bednarczyk team at the Waresley brickworks, using clay to hand-build the kennel. It was then carefully transported and fired in our kiln at Broomfleet which is used for producing thousands of high-quality roof tiles - showcasing the versatility and enduring nature of this ancient material.

This collaboration underpins wienerberger’s commitment to supporting sustainable, innovative architecture, and the project exemplifies the creative potential of clay as a medium—not just for building homes, but for reimagining them on a smaller scale and tailoring solutions to meet and collaborate with our customers.

A Show-Stopping Success

The kennel was met with wide acclaim. Kevin McCloud declared, “I absolutely love it!”, and the ultimate stamp of approval came from the Duke of Richmond, who personally acquired the piece for use at Goodwood. The project, along with 11 other remarkable kennel designs, was auctioned by Bonhams, raising thousands of pounds for a leading dog charity.

Celebrating Design, Craft, and Community

Hall + Bednarczyk’s ongoing presence at Barkitecture—and wienerberger’s role in supporting their creative vision—highlights the power of collaboration in architecture, craft, and community impact. Together, we are proud to continue building with purpose, passion, and a deep respect for both nature and tradition.