La Maison Noire: The Carbon Pet House

A Breakthrough in Pet House Design

To be different from the typical pet house, designer Charles W Wan used new materials to create a more organic shape and a breakthrough in pet house design.

La Maison Noire, also known as the Carbon Pet House, is a unique and innovative creation by designer Charles W Wan. This pet house stands out from the rest with its use of carbon fiber, a material that offers numerous advantages in terms of strength, durability, and aesthetics.

What sets La Maison Noire apart is its use of prepreg carbon fiber composite, a material chosen for its reduction in thermal conductivity, odor absorption, lightweight nature, and high strength integrity. This pet house is not only functional but also visually striking, with LED lights used to highlight the design and create a small landmark of its own.

The dimensions of La Maison Noire are 92 x 77 cm, making it suitable for medium to small-sized pets. The roof provides additional protection and measures the same dimensions as the base. The open latch design allows for natural lighting and fresh air circulation, ensuring the ultimate climate conditions for your furry friend.

One of the key advantages of using carbon fiber in the construction of La Maison Noire is its ability to resist heat and absorb odor. The material is also incredibly lightweight, yet stronger than steel, making it ideal for withstanding various weather conditions. The LED lights used in the design are IP65 waterproofed, ensuring their durability and longevity.

Producing La Maison Noire involves a meticulous process. The carbon fiber is cured in an autoclave at temperatures exceeding 120 degrees Celsius for a period of 8 hours. This results in a lightweight structure that is both strong and durable.

The design of La Maison Noire was inspired by real-life architecture, with research conducted on the top 100 architectural structures worldwide. The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center served as a particular inspiration for this pet house, providing a strong statement and purpose.

Despite the challenges faced during the design process, such as conforming to the production method and solving multiple molding formations, Charles W Wan successfully created a pet house that combines functionality, aesthetics, and durability.

La Maison Noire, with its unique design and use of carbon fiber, has received recognition in the design community. In 2014, it was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Pet Care, Toys, Supplies, and Products for Animals category. This award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements.

With La Maison Noire, Charles W Wan has redefined the concept of a pet house, offering a stylish and functional shelter for our furry companions.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Charles W Wan
Image Credits: Photographer Alfa Leung
Project Team Members: Charles W Wan
Project Name: La Maison Noire
Project Client: Charles W Wan


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