At Indigo, we show our concern for all who live on this planet by providing shelter inclusively, for animals as well as humans. Our nature-based design approach together with our commitment to shelter medicine best practices, creates the best possible animal shelter designs. We are leaders in a growing movement for humane treatment of animals in our communities, and a frequent collaborator with the world’s leading expert on shelter-medicine design principles, UC Davis’ Koret Shelter Medicine program. Our shelters have a very low-carbon profile and use much less water and energy to operate.
In this blog post, we will outline three strategies for state-of-the-art shelter design.
A Garden Just for Cats
Indigo designed this first-of-its kind cat garden for the Humane Society of Silicon Valley. On this project, we learned to design an environment where human-shy feral or “garden cats” feel comfortable and where their human allies can still care for them. The garden, titled “Kona’s Spot in the Sun” features a curving straw bale wall with signage, mural, and portal-like windows where cats can perch and look out. A custom steel structure is an armature for security netting and retractable wave shades.
Shotcrete Kennel Construction
Indigo invented the use shotcrete for kennel construction, creating a national standard for the most hygienic and durable dog kennels that costs less than other methods of construction. Once coated with elastomeric urethane/epoxy finish, these kennels eliminate joints and crevices which typically harbor bacteria, and making each kennel easier to clean. Our kennels reduce animal stress by creating “pods” which house fewer dogs with less barking, and we provide natural light and ventilation wherever possible. Just like us, animals feel better in a clean, home, with proper air and natural light!
Building Within a Building Saves Time and Money
Practical innovations in the Tracy Animal animal shelter make it ultra-energy and cost efficient. This facility features pre-manufactured steel shell; kennel design that minimizes acoustic and visual stress to animals; shotcrete kennels for durability and easy maintenance; high efficiency mechanical systems; daylighting and passive ventilation throughout all animal holding areas.
In 2024, We look forward to serving our clients on more great projects designed to improve human and more than human communities.
