sawadeesign forms large circular enclosures for hoc mon pet shelter in vietnam

in the suburbs of ho chi minh city in vietnam, sawadeesign has created a pet shelter to care for abandoned cats and dogs. the structure is built inside a pagoda where people are known to leave unwanted animals in front of the gate. in response to this, the design team have envisioned a place where the pets will be cared for in the best possible way under the guiding principle of  ‘animals have the right to live, to be free and protected.’

all images © quang trần

to design the project, the architects first researched the behavior, needs and overall health of the animals. in addition to this, the team also considered how the space will be used by the carers, and therefore devised a scheme that makes the simplest route from the monks’ kitchen to the feeding and hygiene area. the program intends not only to enhance the animals’ lives, but also help the monks save time taking care of them.

the building is made up of circular blocks fused together, which create softness and stimulate the sense of curiosity, movement and activity of animals. they used the square grid of the site combined with the existing trees to subdivide the living space for cats and dogs, ensuring natural ventilation to help the health of the pets while at the same time offering protection. from experience of designing for animals, the project ultimately aims to raise awareness of the issue of abandoned pets while providing a safe, nurturing place for them to live.

project info:

project name: hoc mon pet shelter

location: hóc môn, vietnam

architecture firm: sawadeesign 

lead architect: đoàn sĩ nguyên

in charge team: nguyễn hồng quân, nguyễn gia hưng, hồ gia bảo, nguyễn khánh long, lâm quang tường

contributor: chị loan

area: 2368.06 ft2 (220 m2)

year: 2019

photograph: quang trần

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom