The Cat Tree House Structures a Home Around Animal Movement
Amy Duong — December 6, 2025 — Art & Design
References: awgl-inc
The Cat Tree House is a residence in Kamakura by architect Tan Yamanouchi of AWGL designed around the vertical mobility and behavioral needs of two cats. The interior centers on a tall atrium with a skylight and a spiraling sequence of platforms that form 23 subtly varied floor levels. These levels create temperature gradients, resting points and vantage zones that support natural feline habits while remaining integrated into the architectural layout. Human spaces such as the kitchen, dining area, and studio occupy the perimeter so circulation for both species remains uninterrupted.
The stepped structure also incorporates shelving and seating ledges to provide shared areas without reducing feline autonomy. The design treats height as the primary organizational principle, allowing the staircase and platforms to define spatial relationships throughout the home. By prioritizing vertical access and layered sightlines, the project demonstrates how residential architecture can accommodate animal behavior while maintaining cohesive interior planning for daily human use.
Image Credit: AWGL
The stepped structure also incorporates shelving and seating ledges to provide shared areas without reducing feline autonomy. The design treats height as the primary organizational principle, allowing the staircase and platforms to define spatial relationships throughout the home. By prioritizing vertical access and layered sightlines, the project demonstrates how residential architecture can accommodate animal behavior while maintaining cohesive interior planning for daily human use.
Image Credit: AWGL
Trend Themes
-
Animal-centric Architecture — Innovative design is incorporating animal needs into architectural projects, creating harmonious spaces shared between humans and their pets.
-
Vertical Living Spaces — Vertical integration in residential design is enhancing the use of space by leveraging height, adding functionality without compromising aesthetics.
-
Multi-species Housing Solutions — Architectural advancements are developing environments that cater simultaneously to humans and their pets, optimizing living conditions for both.
Industry Implications
-
Pet Furniture and Accessories — The growing intersection of design and pet care is expanding into furniture and home accessories that cater to animal movement and enrichment.
-
Residential Architecture and Design — Home design is shifting focus to integrate animal-centric concepts, offering new avenues for architects to innovate for pet-inclusive living.
-
Interior Design and Home Decor — These practices are adapting to include pet-friendly elements without sacrificing style, meeting the demand for environments that serve both owners and their furry companions.
3.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
