Kitty City Breaks Ground

Pasado’s Safe Haven Kitty City project has broken ground!

The design of Kitty City presented several challenges. The site was topographically constrained in terms of buildable area. Finding the right spot for the building was a challenge, which led to the design decision to dig the building into the hillside. This design also solved the challenge of allowing the existing cat building to remain in service while the new Kitty City was constructed.

The location of the new building will wrap along the hillside to welcome as much sun as possible for our kitty friends. The wings of the building will face SSE and SSW, creating the opportunity for a highly efficient solar array to be located on the roof.

We had the most fun designing each cat room to bring in as much daylight as possible, while also giving the cats access to the outdoors through several 'catio' designs.

Using ship porthole windows between cat rooms will encourage play and provide access between spaces for the cats. These fun and playful details will help our kitty friends socialize and heal from the trauma they’ve survived. This important process of healing helps the cats move towards adoptability so they can start their new lives in loving forever homes.

Designing a space that can facilitate all this was extremely rewarding for our team, and we cannot wait to watch our kitty friends thrive!

Click the button below to learn more about the Pasado’s Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary, and their comprehensive approach towards the complex problem of animal cruelty.

Testimonials

Testimonials

“Living Shelter has been a pleasure to work with on our campaign project. It was clear that they really worked to create a project that was purpose built to our needs, and from a fundraising standpoint, they are always incredibly responsive to updating renderings and drawings that we've needed for donor meetings.”

—Mike Ritter, Capital Manager, Pasado's Safe Haven

“Our experience in working with Terry Phelan was exceptional! Her talents go far beyond what you would expect from a traditional architect. She has a team that truly listens to your goals, and makes them happen! In doing so, they will surprise you with unexpected spaces that impart a very comfortable feel, usually only found in older homes. In addition to designing our primary residence, the Living Shelter team also helped us with conceptual drawings for a coastal property (future build). That was a very fun project, and shows their flexibility to work with various situations. Creative, knowledgeable, professional and a joy to work with - highly recommend!”

—Michele Scaglia, Client

“We can't recommend Living Shelter highly enough. From our initial dreaming, through concept and design, and on into construction, Terry and the LS team were collaborative and creative -- committed to making our new home sustainable, livable, and beautiful. They helped us a create a healthy home that fits the site and our lifestyle.”

—Mary Huycke, Client

“I worked with Living Shelter Design to design and construct my new home in the mountains near Mt Adams in Washington. Their whole team was fantastic to work with! The design ideas presented creatively addressed my aesthetic and space needs, while also fitting within the available budget. Their flexible approach to developing the design made me feel confident that I could build the house of my dreams. The Living Shelter team was also there during construction to help assist the builder and provide the backup support to address all snafus that invariably arise while building a new home. They were so responsive and got the job done for me!”

—Kim Gilmer, Client

“As an interior designer, I have had the pleasure of working with Terry and the Living Shelter team on many projects. They are extremely professional, knowledgeable about sustainable building, and genuinely wonderful people. I highly recommend them!”

—Sandy Campbell, Entero Design

“Terry Phelan is deeply committed to reducing the environmental impact of her buildings, and her work in load bearing straw bale structures is exceptional.”

—Habib John Gonzalez, Director of Sustainable Works

“Did we tell you we love the plans? We do! You really worked magic. Thanks a lot. We are REALLY happy.”

—Judi and Scott Nicolai

“Terry has consistently demonstrated the rare combination of tenacity, caring, and professionalism throughout.”

—Jane Bakken and Jack Fecker