top of page
THE SITUATION.
KEY DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES.
Maljaa set out to create an outdoor shelter for stray cats that could perform reliably in hot climates and year-round outdoor conditions. The aim was not just to provide cover, but to create a durable, climate-responsive refuge that helps stray cats stay cooler in extreme heat while remaining practical to manufacture, ship and deploy.
We were brought in to develop a concept and turn it into a product that balanced environmental performance, usability and manufacturability.
Designing for harsh, hot climates meant the shelter had to do more than simply enclosed space.
It needed to:
-
Reduce heat build-up in direct sun.
-
Maximise shade and airflow.
-
Provide passive cooling without relying on power.
-
Withstand long-term outdoor exposure.
-
Be simple to transport and assemble.
-
Adapt to different environmental conditions and locations.
The challenge was to create a shelter that worked as a real outdoor product - one that could perform thermally, remain durable and still be efficient to manufacture and deploy at scale.
OUTCOMES.
The project resulted in a shelter concept designed specifically for hot-weather outdoor use.
-
Climate-responsive structure for extreme heat conditions.
-
Passive cooling and ventilation integrated into the form.
-
Improved shade and airflow through architectural detailing.
-
Flat-pack design supporting more efficient manufacturing and shipping.
-
Easy assembly through interlocking construction.
-
Adaptable features for changing outdoor conditions.
The result is a product that goes beyond basic shelter - providing a more considered, scalable solution for protecting stray cats in harsh climates.
"It was an amazing experience working with Abtin Valerie Design Studio. Beautiful design, clear communication."
Agency Founder, 2023
DESIGN FOR HOT-CLIMATE PERFORMANCE.
The shelter was shaped by a series of practical environmental decisions.
Key considerations included:
-
Passive cooling - the design incorporates a traditional wind catcher element to improve ventilation and draw air through the shelter, helping reduce heat build-up without any powered system.
-
Shade and airflow - roof overhangs and related features were developed to increase shaded coverage while supporting air movement around and through the shelter.
-
Flat-pack structure - the product was designed to optimise manufacturing efficiency and reduce shipping costs through a flat-pack construction approach.
-
Simple assembly - interlocking joints and friction-fit components were used to support straightforward, self-guided assembly.
-
Environmental adaptability - removable elements such as the door and rain blocker allow the shelter to respond more flexibly to different outdoor conditions.
-
Safety considerations - the high door placement was designed to help prevent accidental falls for newborn cats.
Together, these decisions helped turn the shelter into a more climate-responsive and practical product.
OUR APPROACH.
Development focused on defining a clear and practical product structure early.
Key areas of exploration included:
-
Overall form and enclosure strategy to reduce heat build-up.
-
Entrance positioning and protection from wind.
-
Internal space sizing to accommodate stray cats comfortably.
-
Material selection for durability and insulation.
-
Air flow design for hot air to escape when vented.
Rather than overcomplicating the design, the focus was on creating a robust, intuitive solution that could perform reliably in real-world conditions.
Designing a Climate-Responsive Shelter for Scalable Production.
Designing a durable, weather-resistant shelter for real-world outdoor conditions.
Client: Maljaa | 2025
Our Role: Full Product Development
Privacy Policy | © 2026 Abtin Valerie
Abtin Valerie Ltd. | UK Company No: 15488879
© 2026 Abtin Valerie
bottom of page