Silver Pet Care, Toys, Supplies and Products for Animals Design · 2022
Pudu Pet House
by Gabriel Antunes Henke Carrano
- A' Design Award 2022 Silver Winner in Pet Care, Toys, Supplies and Products for Animals Design
- Awarded April 15, 2022
- CLIENT: Proa
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 35,598
- Verification code 789EA83043 · Verify this award
About Pudu Pet House
The Pudu pet house is a piece of furniture that pleases owners and their domestic animals at the same time. The design is composed of a canvas and a steel structure fixed together by pressure buttons. The set draws a fluid shape of a classic and minimalist pet house creating a roof, and a hanging bed with a pillow. The project has the goal to improve animals' well-being during resting moments giving them their own spot inside de house. Customizable with different options of colors and easy to clean, Pudu is also planned to reflect the owner's interior design style.
The Pudu Pet House by Gabriel Antunes Henke Carrano represents a thoughtful meditation on the fundamental concept of shelter distilled to its most essential and universally recognizable form. Within the contemporary discourse surrounding domestic objects and the integration of animal companions into considered living environments, this work demonstrates how functional necessity may be elevated through rigorous formal reduction and sophisticated material selection. The designer appears to engage with archetypal architectural vocabulary, employing the gabled roof silhouette that has signified home and dwelling across countless cultures and historical periods, translating this primordial form into a modern material language of tubular steel and textile. The technical execution reveals considerable sophistication in the continuous bending of the steel frame, which flows without visible joints from base through ascending roof lines to apex, creating a sense of wholeness and structural integrity that belies the lightness of the open framework. The chromatic restraint, limiting the palette to black steel against earth-toned fabrics, demonstrates an understanding of how material honesty and tonal harmony may create objects that integrate gracefully within varied interior contexts. The suspended canvas platform introduces an element of gentle movement and yielding comfort, suggesting that the designer has considered both the visual experience of the human observer and the tactile experience of the animal inhabitant. One might observe influences from Scandinavian design traditions in the balance between warm organic materials and cool industrial elements, while the reduction to essential form participates in broader minimalist philosophies. The work invites contemplation of how we construct meaning through form, and how the shelters we create for our companion animals may reflect deeper cultural values surrounding care, domesticity, and the integration of nature within the built environment.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Pudu is a pet house that the main goal is to be comfortable for pets and a functional piece of furniture for owners. The minimalist style of Pudu makes it possible to be placed in more diverse types of rooms, including outside once its materials are durable and waterproof. The canvas is braided through structure and forms a hammock, so your pet can have a smooth balance while resting.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- 520 mm x 720 mm x 620 mm
Tubular steel powder coated and welded and Canvas with pressure buttons. - Tags
- pet, house, furniture, wellbeing, comfort, minamlist, shape
- Production Technology
- The main structure of the design was made by bending tubular steel in the shape of a standard yard-like dog house. To reinforce the structure some metal rods were welded to the structure. All the metal parts were powder coated in black kiln drying at 200 degrees. The rods allow the canvas to go through and form the roof and the bed of the pet house after that the canvas can be button up to the two ends of the structure and then a pillow is added to extra comfort.
- Design Challenge
- For this project, the hardest part was to choose the correct thickness of the structure so the pet house can be stable but not visually heavy. And also choose the fabric was a hard process until ended up with the canvas. It is not the first fabric that people think of when they want comfort, but it fits really nicely with the concept of this pet house.
- Project Duration
- August 2020 in Sao Miguel Arcanjo and Ponta Grossa, Brazil, and was exibited in Novos Talentos Brasileiros in Rio de Janeiro in November 2020
- Operation Flow
- The canvas is easily removable from the structure by the user, so it can be cleaned and changed. After that, the user just needs to go around the structure and button up again. This is a great way to combine different colors of the canvas and structures. The canvas works to pet users as a nice bed/hammock to relax, and also protects them from the weather.
- Research
- The research started observing how users prefer a more minimalist aesthetic to merge with their houses. After that, some research about the most popular dogs and cats races was performed to determine the average size of domestic pets, so the design could offer comfort to a wide range of them. The decision about the form was to create a visual connection with the buyers, so they could be more inclined to pick this product. A final version of the product will be included wooden feet to guarantee more stability.
- Inspiration
- Talking to my friends I found them having the same problem as a great number of people: Their pet houses were a little uncomfortable for domestic animals and did not match with the rest of their places. So I decided to create not a homeware item for pets, but a nice furniture item that can be used to compose the room. The design is inspired by a common-sense idea of a house with a roof and a rectangular base, but with an easier way to be clean and customizable.
- Image Credits
- Image #No 1: Photographer Flavio Menoli, 2020
Image #No 2: Photographer Flavio Menoli, 2020
Image #No 3: Photographer Flavio Menoli, 2020
Image #No 4: Photographer Flavio Menoli, 2020
Image #No 5: Photographer Flavio Menoli, 2020
Video: Designer Gabriel Antunes Henke Carrano, 2021
Colors of Pudu Pet House
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G0E3 ShopDesign Interview about Pudu Pet House
The principle behind the Pudu Pet House is simplicity and comfort. I wanted to create a pet-friendly space that combines functionality with a clean, minimalist aesthetic, inspired by Scandinavian design principles and the cozy needs of pets.
The main focus was to design a space where pets feel secure and comfortable while ensuring it complements the owner's home decor. Achieving a balance between pet-centric functionality and modern design was the goal.
I’d love to expand the design range, perhaps introducing modular or outdoor versions. Collaboration with premium pet care brands for broader distribution is also on the table.
From the first sketch to the final prototype, it took around six months. Half of that was spent testing materials to ensure durability and ease of maintenance.
This design was born out of inspiration. As a pet lover, I wanted to create something stylish yet functional for modern homes. It wasn’t commissioned but was a passion project that turned into something bigger.
The production rights are currently under negotiation with a furniture company specializing in pet products. My goal is to make it widely available while maintaining quality.
I noticed a gap in the market—most pet furniture is either purely functional or overly decorative without considering the pet’s comfort. I wanted to bridge that gap.
Yes, I drew inspiration from the Eames philosophy of functionality and simplicity. The influence of mid-century modern furniture also played a role in shaping the overall aesthetic.
The target customer is urban pet owners who value design and want their pet furniture to blend seamlessly into their homes.
The Pudu Pet House stands out because of its clean lines, innovative assembly using pressure buttons, and dual focus on pet comfort and home decor integration.
The name "Pudu" is inspired by the pudú, the world’s smallest deer, symbolizing care, comfort, and minimalism.
I used 3ds Max for 3D modeling, Rhino for prototyping, and Illustrator for detailed sketches.
The hanging bed design supported by a lightweight steel frame is both innovative and practical, offering pets a cozy spot while being visually appealing.
I worked with textile specialists for the canvas and engineers for the steel frame to ensure stability and durability.
Technology helped visualize the design early on, and material testing ensured the components were safe and durable for pets.
Yes, I researched pet behavior, especially how they interact with enclosed spaces. Feedback from pet owners was also crucial.
One major challenge was creating a stable structure that remained lightweight and easy to assemble. Finding the right canvas material was also tricky—it had to be durable and pet-friendly.
After receiving positive feedback from my initial prototypes, I wanted to test its merit on a global stage, and the A' Design Award seemed like the perfect fit.
This project taught me the importance of user-centered design—not just for humans but for pets too. It also strengthened my ability to balance aesthetics with functionality.
I’d like to emphasize that the Pudu Pet House was a labor of love. It’s not just furniture—it’s a testament to how thoughtful design can enhance the lives of pets and their humans.
Grand Interview about Pudu Pet House
The Pudu Pet House was born from my desire to bridge pet comfort with modern interior design. I wanted to create a piece that didn't feel like a typical pet accessory but rather a seamless part of the home. My goal was to achieve a design that pets would love and owners would feel proud to display. The minimalist approach came naturally, as I’ve always been drawn to clean lines and simple, elegant solutions. This balance of aesthetics and functionality became the driving force throughout the project.
The hammock-like effect of the Pudu Pet House is rooted in the Brazilian way I approach design—prioritizing warmth, comfort, and resourcefulness while blending function with a natural aesthetic. I wanted to create a space that felt inviting and instinctively cozy for pets, much like the laid-back, welcoming environments we value in Brazilian culture.Balancing flexibility and stability was a thoughtful process. Canvas was a natural choice—it’s durable, adaptable, and has a certain simplicity that aligns with the effortless elegance I aim for in my work. To achieve structural integrity without losing visual lightness, I paired the canvas with a tubular steel frame, carefully engineering the tension to ensure the right amount of flexibility for comfort without compromising stability. The pressure button system was another practical solution, inspired by the Brazilian knack for solving challenges with creativity and simplicity. This combination of materials and methods reflects my approach to design—functional, approachable, and with an understated sophistication.
Winning the Silver A' Design Award was a significant milestone. It reinforced the idea that pet furniture can be more than functional—it can also be beautiful. This recognition motivates me to continue exploring ways to integrate pet products seamlessly into contemporary home aesthetics. I hope this accomplishment inspires others in the design community to view pet furniture as an opportunity for innovation and creativity.
The pressure button system was a solution that came from addressing the challenges of maintenance and assembly. I wanted a structure that could be easily disassembled for cleaning while maintaining its stability and shape. Finding buttons that could handle frequent use without compromising on durability was a challenge. After several tests, I found the perfect balance between functionality and reliability, ensuring the system was practical for pet owners.
I studied the sizes and behaviors of small and medium-sized dog and cat breeds to determine the ideal dimensions. My goal was to create a space that would feel snug and inviting for pets, without overwhelming the room it occupied. The proportions were carefully refined to ensure the structure was functional for pets of different sizes while maintaining the minimalist elegance I envisioned.
Canvas stood out for its versatility and aesthetic appeal. It’s durable, easy to clean, and aligns with the minimalist style I wanted to achieve. Unlike conventional pet bed materials, canvas offers a refined look that integrates seamlessly with contemporary interiors. The variety of textures and colors available in canvas also allowed for customization to suit different home styles.
Proa’s expertise in metal furniture was invaluable. They helped refine the steel frame, ensuring it was not only durable but also lightweight and visually light. Their input on manufacturing processes allowed me to push the design further without compromising stability or quality.
The dual functionality was inspired by the idea of reinterpreting the classic pet house silhouette in a way that felt fresh and modern. I wanted the design to be more than just a shelter—it needed to offer comfort and visual appeal. The fluid form naturally lent itself to a combined roof and bed structure, creating a cohesive and practical solution for both pets and their owners.
I see so much potential in blending pet needs with modern design. Moving forward, I’m interested in exploring sustainable materials, modular systems, and even smart technology integration. One of the biggest challenges is balancing the growing demand for eco-friendly products with cost and functionality. I believe there’s a future where pet furniture is not just an afterthought but a celebrated part of home design.
Balancing durability and visual lightness required careful consideration of the steel frame. The tubular steel had to be thick enough to ensure stability while keeping the overall structure lightweight and elegant. Prototyping was essential to test the load-bearing capacity and ensure the frame could support the canvas and the pet’s weight. The result is a design that feels sturdy yet unobtrusive, aligning perfectly with the minimalist aesthetic.