A Vancouver Island woman is just one of 100 people around the world to receive funding to help build a unique rental home.
The funding comes from the “OMG!
This year’s winners come from 20 countries around the world, including two Canadian winners.
Vancouver Island’s Kate Chandler had her ‘Goat House’ design chosen as one of this year’s recipients.
The design is described as a “grass-roofed, glass-fronted forest adventure house” that sits near some farm animals, including goats.
The next Goat House is near Chandler’s property, which she describes as something a bit smaller than a farm but has animals and a harvestable garden.
Goat House guests can spend time with Chandler’s goats, harvest duck eggs, or simply “enjoy the surroundings” and hike nearby.
“What inspired that was kind of the idea of giving people new experiences and getting them to live more simply,” Chandler told CTV News.
“Really kind of offering a chance to be a part of this, whether they want to or not. It’s kind of like choosing your own adventure,” she said.
Designs and floor plans for the Goat House are still in progress, which means photos and renderings are not yet available.
The house is described as having a large glazed entrance and a “living roof” covered in grass, which Chandler says is a natural form of insulation and rain retention.
“I hope it will also be a place that goats like to visit,” she said.
Chandler has never designed any other building or hosted Airbnb, but has always been fascinated by architecture and design.
“It’s super exciting,” she said.
“What a great opportunity Airbnb has created for people around the world to bring their crazy ideas to life.”
Chandler is originally from Victoria but has lived overseas for several years. She is now back on the island but gives no indication as to which port the Goat House will be located until she is ready.
Meanwhile, the other Canadian winner, Melissa Williamson of Lac Pelletier, Sask., received funding for her project designed to look like a giant vintage television.
“At the south end of the lake, it’s hard to miss the huge fire orange vintage television perched next to the shoreline,” Melissa said.
“Boaters on the lake can get a glimpse of the production happening inside the TV: it’s YOU! Baby, you’re a STAR!” she wrote.
Other winners around the world include a giant building shaped like a dinosaur skull in the United States, a “floating avocado” in Chile and a lighthouse accessible only by boat in Sweden.
A concept image of American recipient Haylee M.’s Dinosaur Skull House is shown. (Airbnb)
The 100 recipients of the OMG! Fund were chosen by a panel of judges, including American interior designer Iris Apfel, architect Koichi Takada and Airbnb senior management.
Once the houses are ready to be rented, they will appear in the “OMG! from Airbnb.
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