Ikhuis

Ikhuis: A Micro Dialogue of Shelter and Scale (Cat’s house)

Ikhuis, meaning “cat’s house” in Dutch, is a micro-scale design experiment developed by NPPN Design and Research. More than a pet shelter, the project explores spatial metaphor and interspecies dialogue through architecture. With a footprint of just 0.90 sq.m., Ikhuis serves as a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration between architects, product designers, and cultural thinkers. The house reinterprets traditional Thai elevated structures, integrating ventilation, natural light, and moisture protection, an architectural response inspired by flood-prone environments. While designed for a cat, the structure reflects a broader inquiry: how do we define “home” across different species, scales, and climates? This playful-yet-thoughtful object becomes a spatial narrative of coexistence, climate awareness, and cultural interpretation. As part of NPPN’s water-centric design philosophy, Ikhuis reflects how even the smallest architecture can embody resilience, empathy, and meaningful dialogue in design.