Description:
My family owns a dog
kennel, so over the years I've played around with many various designs.
I like this one due to the fact it has a simple yet efficient layout.
Key Features:
The roof is intended to be a steel arch, such as those by SteelMaster.
It is very efficient, durable, and the best choice for this application.
I chose the "R" model for it's low profile.
The walls are intended to be acoustical reducing CMUs ("cinder blocks"). SoundBlox is
the product I chose for this. Occupants of a dog kennel would appreciate
every noise reduction effort possible. :)
The use of concrete and CMU's will allow for proper washing and sanitizing.
It will also be impervious to rot, insects, rodents, and dog chewing.
A heated interior slab, using proper tubes and a gas fired boiler. I consider
this the most efficient form of heating there is. The fact that it keeps
the floor warm means that a lower temperature can be maintained (consider
open dog doors), while still keeping the animals warm and happy. I haven't
made a firm product decision for this item, however there are plenty to choose
from. Same heated slab idea for the office, but in a separate zone of course.
As a side note, I've contemplated the possibility of using chill water
in the tubes for cooling as well. I would need to do more research. Offhand,
if the slab is insulated to prevent condensation (as it should be regardless),
I would think it would be a viable option. A chill water/fan system could
be used in the office as well.
The pens are arranged symmetrical and based on even distances. The design
can be easily expanded using the arch roof system (it comes in 2' sections).
It would also be easy to fabricate an automatic watering system since the
pens are in straight rows. Note the dog doors are off centered. This is so
a shared plumbing wall can serve two pens.
An item not drawn, but was considered for this project, is a waste composting
system such as those manufactured by Clivus
Multrum.
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