KITI + Twig

—A project to demonstrate the practical value of the Twig network as a way to realize ideas and develop products with wood.

Here we document the entire process A-Z: ideas, conversations, problems, solutions, choices, design, materials, budget, technical aspects, plans, changes, surprises, delays, failures, innovations, successes, more surprises, adaptations, parties involved...etc

About KITI

KITI was started by Daniel Campbell, a Canadian living in Japan. The idea was to make cat houses for stray cats, because it rains a lot and there are stray cats who could use some shelter. It was a charitable idea, not a business, but given the positive response, there is potential for something more.

Daniel made about 15 houses, each unique, and then met Twig. Twig will help KITI create a commercial product based on a few KITI house prototypes.

To see the houses, visit KITI.ca or @kitidotca

1. Concept + Design

D: The first houses were made from scrap siding wood from my neighbour's newly built house in Atami, Japan. The concept and design was simply 'a house for a cat'. No drawings or plans were made. My neighbour helped me build a basic structure and I got some ideas on how to decorate it. I added a temple roof tile, and a noren (Japanese style cloth door). The following houses each had a theme, something inspired by a location, architecture, a stray kitty...

Later, more houses were made from design sketches. Each design was a prototype, unique. 

Spring 2020
Atami, Japan

2. Prototype + Production

Twig consulted with KITI on which designs would be best to manufacture as products. 

December 2020
Vancouver, Canada