Community and craftsmanship are at the heart of what we do at RGH Development. Every so often, an opportunity comes along that lets our team stretch our creative muscles outside the bounds of traditional residential job sites all while supporting a cause that hits close to home.
This year, RGH Development was proud to participate in the annual BARKitecture event in Hackettstown, New Jersey. Organized through a collaborative partnership between AIA Newark and Suburban Architects and Eleventh-Hour Rescue (EHR), BARKitecture challenges architects, builders, and designers to create custom, innovative canine homes to raise vital funds for rescue dogs awaiting their forever families.
A huge applause to Czig Meister Brewing Company for hosting this year's event and helping to bring together the community for a great cause!
We couldn't wait to jump in to support the cause, and one of our project managers, Steve LeBlanc, was generous enough to bring his imagination and dedication to the table. Plus, he had something truly special to unveil!
The Vision: A Hobbit-Inspired Canine Sanctuary
When Steve set out to design our entry, he wasn't interested in building a standard doghouse with four walls and an asphalt shingle roof. He wanted to build an experience.
Drawing inspiration from the rolling hills and subterranean charm of the Shire, Steve brought to life "Getting Bark to Nature" which was a Hobbit-inspired doghouse complete with whimsical architectural detailing.
The result was pure magic: an organic sanctuary that felt rooted in nature yet playful.
Craftsmanship Meets Sustainability: Taking Home the "Greenest Build" Award
In the construction industry, job-site waste is a real challenge. When Steve took on this build, he committed to ensuring he repurposed materials where he could. As a result, virtually the entire doghouse was constructed using reclaimed job-site materials that were destined for the dumpster. Instead of sitting in a waste container, these materials were repurposed into a durable work of art.
To ensure this dog home was as functional and energy-efficient as it was eye-catching, Greg LeBlanc Contracting generously donated professional closed-cell spray foam insulation. Closed-cell foam provides superior thermal protection and moisture resistance ensuring that whatever pup takes up residence stays warm in winter and cool in summer.
Thanks to this deliberate blend of creative upcycling and high-performance building techniques, the judges awarded our creation the coveted Greenest Build Award! 🏆🌿
Event Day: Community and Canine Advocacy
Event day at Czig Meister was buzzing with energy. Locals gathered to browse the innovative builds, talk design with local pros, and place their bids in the charity auction.
One of our other project manager’s Cristian Perez also joined Steve to represent RGH Development, connecting with community members, sharing the story behind the build's reclaimed materials, and cheering on the other talented design teams.
Events like BARKitecture show what happens when the building trades use their skills not just to construct homes, but to build up community programs and protect vulnerable animals.
Finding a Forever Home: Mama’s Café Baci
A standout build deserves a standout home—and we couldn't have scripted a better finish.
When the bidding concluded, Mama’s Café Baci placed the winning donation to bring the Hobbit dog house home. Longtime staples of the Hackettstown dining scene, the Mama’s family was thrilled to welcome "Getting Bark to Nature" to their property.
As the Mama's team shared after the event:
"We’re excited to showcase our very own Hobbit-inspired, award-winning dog house and landscape design, 'Getting Bark to Nature.'... A unique addition to our backyard that brings a little pooch-inspired magic to life. We’re proud to own a piece of this vision and can’t wait to see what Steven builds for our beloved pets next."
Knowing our build found a loving home with a local family business that cares deeply about the community made the countless hours of planning and building completely worth it.
Giving Thanks to Our Partners and Community
This project was a labor of love that wouldn't have been possible without a community of dedicated people working together. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to:
Steve LeBlanc: For his unmatched creativity, late nights in the workshop, and passion for sustainable building.
Greg LeBlanc Contracting: For generously donating the closed-cell spray foam insulation to keep the build durable and warm.
Mama’s Café Baci: For their generous winning bid, their warm partnership, and their ongoing support of animal rescue.
Czig Meister Brewing: For opening up their outdoor venue to host such a memorable community gathering.
AIA Newark & Suburban and Eleventh Hour Rescue: For organizing an inspiring event that champions both forward-thinking architectural design and animal welfare.
At RGH Development, whether we're remodeling a luxury kitchen, building a custom home, or crafting an upcycled Hobbit retreat for a four-legged friend, our standard of care remains the same: thoughtful craftsmanship, dependable materials, and a commitment to doing right by our neighbors.
Keep an eye on our blog and social channels for more community features and project updates!
