The Haven
The 3-in-1 cat bed for a multi-cat household
Metaproject 12
Modkat was the industry sponsor for RIT Industrial Design's Metaproject 12. Modkat is a cat wellness brand based in New York City. Our challenge was to design the next product in their lineup.
Client: Modkat
Duration: 15 weeks
Credits: Josh Owens, Brett Teper, Rich Williams, Elizabeth Torgerson-Lamark
RIT Archive Select
Design Week Select
This piece was selected for exemplary process and is currently being processed as a permanent addition to the Metaproject Archive as part of the RIT Archive.
Haven was 1 of 4 pieces selected by the Modkat founders to be presented at ICFF in May of 2022. This was truly an unforgettable experience.
Project Intention
Design a flat-pack hybrid cat bed that considers both cat and cat parent.
“Work at home” lifestyles, and new pet-parents
There has been an increase in new cat owners since the shift to “work at home” lifestyles, but new pet-parents do not always have the time to play with their cats.
Humans and their pets coexist in one space.
Product location and aesthetics are everything. Effective use of space is top priority for city renters / cat owners.
What’s next for Modkat’s product line?
Modkat is an expert in litter boxes, cleaning, and scratchers, but to be competitive with other cat brands they need to expand their product line.
Designing for "sleep" and "play" can transition the company into a more holistic product selection for cat parents.
Considering E-commerce
Modkat is relies completely on e-commerce which is why the ability to flat pack and ship became a priority.
Inspiration
The Haven
The Haven is a 3-in-1 structure meant to give your cat the freedom to play, chill, and perch in their own space. The hybrid design acts as a foundational product for Modkat to begin diversifying their product line into toys, trees, and cat lounges.
To accommodate a multi cat household, Haven consists of a 2 tier bed and perch with an interchangeable toy. Haven takes owners and cats into account with its versatility, small apartment footprint, and modern design.
The Haven will arrive disassembled in a box that is about the dimensions of the base to minimize shipping costs.
The box contains 1 large bed base and 1 top perch. Both come with detachable industrial felt pads. It also comes with 4 hollow steel legs, a detachable hanging toy and 4 fasteners that hold all the components in place.
What’s in the Box?
Easy Assembly & Maintenance
Haven is able to be assembled without any extra tool. All of the components are press fit together and secured with large fasteners that are screwed in by hand.
Because of the shape of the felt pads there is no adhesive needed to keep them secure, making them easy to remove, clean, or flip over at any time.
Ideation
Process
I transitioned between low and high fidelity sketching, 3D modeling, and scale models using a 3D printer, foam, yarn, and wooden dowels over a 3 week time period.
Throughout the process, I would present my progress to Modkat’s founders. This stakeholder feedback played a valuable role in my decision making process moving forward in the project.
Fabrication
Version 02
I had the unique opportunity to reevaluate the design and proportions of my first prototype based off of feedback from my final presentation in preparation for NYC’s design week.
Custom templates had to be made to to cut the felt to size and shape. I tested fit all along the way.
The bed and perch were made by laminating MDF to a desired thickness and CNCing both sides.
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