In Bentonville, Ark., the Best Friends Animal Society’s Pet Resource Center is poised to revolutionize the animal care industry with its innovative design, aiming to achieve a “no-kill” status by 2025.
Unlike conventional shelters, this center, designed by RA-DA architectural firm, abandons kennels and cages in favor of a community-focused strategy.
The architectural inspiration for the center is drawn from local barn vernacular, translating it into a design that efficiently utilizes the roofscape. The result is an intentional combination of peaks, merges, and slopes, creating a purposeful layout that accommodates the facility’s programs. This shift in design was prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a surge in foster parents, leading to a reimagined vision for the center.
The center introduces the concept of “Phantom Kennels,” eliminating the need for traditional water-intensive practices. With 1,000 dogs fostered annually in local homes, equivalent to the capacity of 115 kennels, the facility significantly reduces water consumption. This approach saves 135,000 gal (511,030 L) of water each year, contributing to a reduced Energy Use Intensity (EUI) by 11 kBtu/sf/yr (34.7 kWh/m2/yr), as the energy required for daily kennel cleaning is eliminated.
The architectural features of the resource center include an overhang on the west side and a shade structure on the east side. Energy reduction strategies, such as exterior programming and natural daylighting optimization, are implemented to minimize the need for conditioned indoor space. The building incorporates a cool roof, astronomical time clock, photocells, occupancy sensors, and local controls, along with a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) heat pump system and on-demand water heaters to further enhance energy efficiency.
The building’s design strategically divides spaces, with the north wing housing community-centric activities and the south dedicated to medical and support functions. Connecting elements such as front courtyards and the Volunteer Bridge create a seamless transition between these zones, promoting openness and inclusivity. The lower levels host a dog enrichment room and another community space.
