Airbnb Is Giving People $100K To Build The Craziest Homes They Can Imagine—and Ellen DeGeneres Is Already Planning Her Entry!
From an elephant statue to a windmill to a converted school bus, Airbnb hosts have created some of the most creative spaces for guests to stay in. If you’ve ever dreamed up an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind home, now’s your chance to bring it to life: Today, Airbnb launched a $1 million contest to find and finance the most unique livable spaces around the world.
Judges of the Unique Airbnb Fund will select ten lucky winners to build their fantasy homes, giving them a budget of $100,000. The panel of judges include Emmy, Tony, and GRAMMY award-winning actor Billy Porter, Kristie Wolfe, an Airbnb Superhost who created a hobbit house and the potato house, and architectural design firm MVRD.
The judges will choose the winning designs based on their creativity. Think unusual shapes and lots of surprises. While the homes should be inventive, the designs also have to be feasible. So make sure you show the judges how you’d make your wildest ideas possible. Judges are also looking for sustainable construction (e.g. recycled materials, smart irrigation, waste reduction) and social good. So keep in mind how the space can benefit your guests, neighbors, and community.
Have an amazing idea, but need some advice? Porter encourages applicants to start with a statement piece. “Identify the focal point of your design or concept and build everything from there!” Porter said in a statement. He also suggests exploring various patterns and colors, keeping your space clutter-free, and making sure your furniture is the right size for your space. And remember: “You don’t need a red carpet to make a fashion statement, Porter says. “Your home is the perfect place to practice self-expression and bring your most authentic self to the table.”
The contest already has some stiff competition thanks to Ellen DeGenres, who turned tWitch's DJ booth into her own unique Airbnb. The light blue two-story house features a balcony with plants. But the focal point of the home is a picture of DeGeneres that hangs in the room that opens to the balcony.
Want Airbnb to finance your fantasy home? Apply here by April 15.
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