Hawaii’s volcanoes are the inspiration for a new Airbnb stay set to open for bookings in summer 2023.
Jim Sugar/Getty ImagesVisitors can already book stays on the slopes of the active Kilauea volcano on the island of Hawaii (also known as the Big Island) around Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Now, a new Airbnb design takes that experience even further by simulating that you’re sleeping inside.
The concept, created by Cassandra Dalla Riva, 25, was chosen as the one and only Hawaii recipient of $10 million from Airbnb OMG! Funds. Dalla Riva will share the award with 99 other winners chosen from 20 countries, who were selected from “tens of thousands of entries from around the world”. She will receive $100,000 and will have eight months to build and complete her volcanic vision.
Located in a rainforest, its proposed off-grid structure will take the shape of a pyramid-domed volcanic cinder cone “with lava about to spew from the top,” according to KHON2. A geodesic skylight will project the colors orange and red into her room, and the house will use archways, bottle windows and themed décor to honor Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire.
“My biggest goal and dream with this property is to work with the county to legally allow the earthbag structure,” Dalla Riva, who has lived in Hawaii for four years, told KHON2.
Earthbag is a natural product construction method which uses bags filled with soil that are stacked on top of each other and connected together to create a structure. “It’s much greener and more affordable than any traditional build and fairly easy to build with a team or community,” she says.
Another OMG! The designs chosen by the Fund include tire-shaped houses, Himalayan fruit, a giant camera, a floating avocado and a sustainable beehive. Over 50% of recipients are already Airbnb hosts.
“The winning ideas stood out for their unique and inspiring design, their sustainable consideration and their new ways of delivering immersive guest experiences,” Airbnb said in a press release.
All homes are expected to be ready for travelers by summer 2023 and will be featured in Airbnb’s OMG! Category.
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