Windbreak Shelter
A roof with a back and one side panel facing the wind and a raised base. It gives daytime cover from wind and rain but is not a winter sleeping shelter.
A warm shelter that gets damp can be worse than a simpler one that stays dry.
“Data validated” means only the data and calculations are checked; the model has not been built or tested physically.
This model has no 3D view; the drawing and dimensions below fully describe the construction.
- For beginners with basic tools and a small budget.
- For 2 cats (up to 4), including community cats.
- As a sleeping shelter: this is an auxiliary structure.
- For young, old, sick or unacclimated animals without extra protection and supervision.
- Required tools
- Hand saw, Drill
- Budget class
- Low
- Location
- Exposed outdoor spot
- Supported calculations
- Geometry, Bill of materials, Cut list, Sheet nesting, Cost estimate, Drawing, Build guide
Dimensions
| Outside size (W × D) | 900 × 600 mm |
|---|---|
| Height front / rear | 612 / 512 mm |
| Raised off the ground | 100 mm |
| Chambers | 1 |
| Geometry type | derived from canonical dimensions |
What you have and what to obtain
Quantities come from the model geometry; items marked as assumptions are planning allowances. Reused material must pass the checklist.
Fill in “My workshop” to see what you still need to buy.
My workshop- OSB/3 board1 sheetssheet nesting · 1 × 2500 × 1250 mm (planning format; check with your supplier).
- Solid softwood (battens, studs)9.04 mfrom geometry · Total length from the cut list + 10% allowance.
- Roofing felt0.94 m²assumption · Roof area + 15%.
- Wood screws1 packassumption · Joining the frame and the roof.
Parts to cut
canopyCanopy · OSB/3 board1060 × 768 × 12 mm1back-panelBack panel · OSB/3 board900 × 500 × 12 mm1side-panelSide panel · OSB/3 boardsloped top edge600 × 600/500 × 12 mm1platform-topRaised bed · OSB/3 board900 × 600 × 12 mm1leg-frontFront post45 × 45 mm · 600 mm2leg-rearRear post45 × 45 mm · 500 mm2top-rail-widthTop rail across the width38 × 58 mm · 900 mm2top-rail-depthTop rail along the depth38 × 58 mm · 608 mm2platform-rail-widthBed frame across the width38 × 58 mm · 900 mm2platform-rail-depthBed frame along the depth38 × 58 mm · 600 mm2Parts on sheets
Sheet formats are planning assumptions; check your supplier's format. Sloped parts occupy their rectangular envelope.
OSB/3 board · 12 mm1 × 2500 × 1250 mm
Weather exposure
A warm shelter that gets damp can be worse than a simpler one that stays dry. This is an explanation, not a condensation calculation.
- Ground contactRaised about 100 mm off the ground.
- Rain splashHigh enough that rain splash from the ground does not hit the floor.
- Roof drainageThe roof falls from the entrance to the rear, so water runs off away from the entrance.
- Rain at the entranceOpen structure without an entrance.
- DryingCan be opened to dry out and change bedding.
- Absorbent materialInterior surfaces do not absorb much moisture.
- Maintenance accessAccess for checks and cleaning is simple.
Cost estimate
Quantities come from the model. Prices are not fabricated: enter what you actually pay locally and the estimate stays in your browser.
Sheet, XPS, framing and hardware quantities come from the compiler. The estimate still excludes delivery, tools, labor, local taxes and unforeseen losses beyond the stated allowances. PROVISIONAL and product-specific items remain explicitly labeled.
Check the spot
This is not a safety certificate for the spot: it only means none of the listed questions is ticked.
What goes inside
- RecommendedStrawRepels moisture and stays loose. Replace when damp, compacted or soiled, and when seasons change.
- Not recommendedHaySoaks up moisture, turns cold and can mould. If already in a shelter, replace it with straw.
- Not recommendedBlanketAbsorbs and holds moisture; a damp blanket chills. Wash and swap as soon as it is damp.
- Not recommendedTowelAbsorbs moisture like a blanket. Wash and swap as soon as it is damp.
- Not recommendedWood shavingsPartly absorbs moisture. Change when damp or compacted.
- Not recommendedWashable dog bedDepends on fabric; textile absorbs moisture. Dry or swap as soon as it is damp.
- Not recommendedNo beddingNothing to absorb moisture. Not applicable.
Inspection schedule
- MonthlyCheck the roof covering, overlaps and that water runs off at the rear, away from the entrance.
- MonthlyCheck that screws and nails are tight and no tip protrudes.
- MonthlyCheck edges: no splinters, cracks or swollen areas.
- Each seasonClean the interior; service access must allow cleaning without dismantling.
Where to go next
Each step states what you add, what you gain and what stays limited. A new model has a new plan ID; changing an existing build has no canonical plan.
No upgrade path is defined for this model yet.
Don't have this material?
- OSB/4 boardThe substitute changes the construction (thickness, strength or water protection); parts and joints must be re-planned.
- Exterior plywoodThe substitute changes the construction (thickness, strength or water protection); parts and joints must be re-planned.
- Bituminous membraneThe substitute changes the construction (thickness, strength or water protection); parts and joints must be re-planned.
- EPDM membraneThe substitute changes the construction (thickness, strength or water protection); parts and joints must be re-planned.
Build steps
Progress is stored in this browser against the exact plan ID; it works offline once the page has been opened.
Build the frame
Assemble the posts and top rails so the front is higher than the rear. The frame must stand firmly; anchor it if needed.
Fit the canopy
Fix the canopy with its overhang. For summer shade choose a light finish; dark and metal surfaces heat up strongly in sun.
Wind and rain panels
Fit closed panels only on the side the wind or rain comes from. The front stays open.
Raised bed
A bed raised off the ground lets air move beneath the animal and keeps it away from damp or hot ground.
Choose the spot and secure it
Set it against a wall or fence, out of the wind, away from roof runoff and roaming dogs. Weight or secure lightweight shelters. Check the spot with the placement checklist.
Sources and verification status
A source supports a guideline or material value, but it does not confirm this specific model. Container sizes are assumptions and build time is a planning estimate.
- Data validatedcurrent
- Geometry validatednot confirmed
- Engineering reviewnot confirmed
- Physical prototypenot confirmed
- Field validationnot confirmed