Sustainable Doghouse Challenge

Innovating for Furry Friends

Student teams participating in the CAEE Sustainable Doghouse Competition must work together to design and build eco-friendly doghouses using repurposed materials.

What to Expect

Competing teams are evaluated based on their incorporation of competition themes into dog house designs for their furry friends.

This year’s competition will take place on April 3rd, 2026, from 1-4 pm at the ECJ plaza.

Get Involved

Interested in participating in this year’s challenge? Fill out the interest form and join us for an upcoming information session to learn more!

Upcoming Information Session Dates

• January 26th, 5:30 pm – Location: ECJ 3.116
• January 29th, 5:30 pm – Location: Zoom (Meeting ID: 90 1161 0181)
• February 4th, 4 pm – Location: ECJ 3.116
• February 11th, 4 pm – Location: Zoom (Meeting ID: 25 7142 2144)

Eligibility

• All students from the CAEE Department are allowed to enter the competition. Students from other majors may join a team, but the team must be made up of a simple majority of CAEE students.
• Students must submit a concept proposal to be selected as a participant. The purpose of the proposal is to develop an initial idea for the project before design and construction begin. Students are highly encouraged to attend the information sessions for more information on the proposal process. The proposal form will open on February 1st.

Competition Themes

Successful student designs will incorporate aspects from each of the following categories:

Sustainability
For the physical competition, students are given $75 for materials, so using expensive, treated, or “rare” materials should be avoided. Instead, opt for materials that can be easily salvaged, such as commonly recycled materials or typical soft/hardwoods used in construction, furniture, and other applications. Adding “green” features, such as a green roof or rainwater collector, will also help improve your score.

Structure
Teams must produce sturdy structures capable of withstanding heavy winds and falling debris, as well as exhibiting resistance to water intrusion. Ensure that the doghouse you design can actually be created within a semester’s time.

Comfort
The dog should be comfortable inside your design – think of the doghouse as more of a home and less of a shelter. While it is sufficient to have a floor, four walls and a roof, you can earn extra points by considering the dog’s comfort more thoroughly.

Creativity
Teams should aim to be creative with their doghouse, from the design they choose to the materials and features they use to construct it.

Healthy
The doghouse you design should be made so there is no threat to the dog’s health through exposure to the materials and paints/varnishes.