Airbnb OMG! Fund will give away millions to fund the world’s craziest homes. Source: Airbnb.
Spaceships, submarines, a giant shoe and bus conversions are among whacky homes coming out of the woodwork as Airbnb offers $14.5m in grants for weird homes to be created.
Aussies are among residents in 30 countries that will have access to the $14.5m OMG! Fund, which will see grants of $100,000USD ($144,700 AUD) given out to help finance 100 of the best ideas for new holiday homes – best meaning the most “creative, unusual and unique homesharing space”.
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A retro camping bus hosted by Ricardo is among ideas Airbnb has put out to spur on ideas for new holiday homes. His initial cost to create the accommodation was $36,500 and he has earned $50,190 off it since 2019, according to the sharing site. Source: Airbnb.
The application process, which is live now, asks for a 10 word description of what the one-of-a-kind space will be, giving the example of “liveable giant donut in the desert”, as well as the inspiration behind it.
The global homesharing giant said the sole purpose of the $144,700 prizes was “to enable each winner to carry out their plans of creating or renovating a unique space, with the intention that upon completion, guests will have the opportunity to experience the space by booking it on Airbnb”.
The Big Idaho Potato Hotel hosted by Kristie on Airbnb was built for $32,000 and has earned her $208,732 since 2019, Airbnb says. Source: Airbnb
The competition opened a week ago to adult residents of 30 countries including Australia and New Zealand, and anyone interested in living out their whackiest home dreams will have until July 22 to submit their entries.
Judges are looking for originality, feasibility, experience and sustainability.
“A winning design will be more than just different. It should be surprising, one-of-a-kind, and inspire people to reimagine what a home can be,” an Airbnb statement said.
“Your entry should be achievable and able to pass building inspections and the like. It will also need to be completed by August 2023.”
The Yellow Submarine hosted by Keith and Jen, initially cost $14,000 to get going, and has earned $69,000 since 2018 for the couple, Airbnb says. Source: Airbnb.
“The interior should be as memorable as the exterior, striking a perfect balance between oddball concept and comfortable home.”
“Think green. Consider using clean energy and recycled materials. Your home should have a big impact on guests and a small one on the planet.”
Some of the whacky and wonderful home ideas being put out as part of Airbnb’s OMG! Fund.
The 100 home winners be paid out in three phases: $48,204 before December 31 for use in designing and building the space; $48,204 no later than January 31, 2023 for those who show completion of the space’s exterior and interior blueprint and/or structural design with receipts; and a final payment of $48,204 no later than April 30, 2023.
Care to live in a spaceship?
