In Bentonville, Ark., 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 the RA-DA architectural firm, eschews prisons and jails in favor of a community-oriented approach.
Architectural inspiration for the center was drawn from the local barn vernacular, translating it into a design that makes good use of the roofscape. The result is a deliberate combination of peaks, joins, and slopes, creating a purposeful layout that accommodates the facility’s programs. This design change was prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw an influx in foster parents, leading to a reimagined vision for the center.
The center introduced the concept of “Phantom Kennels,” eliminating the need for traditional water-intensive practices. With 1,000 dogs cared for annually in local homes, equivalent to the capacity of 115 kennels, the facility significantly reduces water consumption. This strategy saves 135,000 gal (511,030 L) of water per year, contributing to a reduced Energy Use Intensity (EUI) of 11 kBtu/sf/yr (34.7 kWh/m2/yr), since the energy required for daily cleaning of the cage is removed.
Architectural features of the resource center include an overhang on the west side and a shade structure on the east side. Energy reduction techniques, such as outdoor programming and natural daylighting optimization, have been implemented to reduce the need for conditioned indoor space. The building includes 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 design strategically divides the spaces, with the north wing housing community-centered activities and the south dedicated to medical and support functions. Connecting elements such as the front courtyards and the Volunteer Bridge create a seamless transition between these zones, promoting openness and inclusivity. The lower level hosts a dog enrichment room and another community space.
