Airbnb launches $1.54m fund to create wacky, quirky homes

If you’ve always dreamt of becoming Australia’s answer to Kevin McCloud, here’s your chance to create your own amazing Airbnb space.

If you’ve got a head full of grand designs, here’s your chance to create your own amazing accommodation.

Airbnb has launched a $1.54 million fund to help build the world’s wildest homes.

The Unique Airbnb Fund is designed to find and help finance the most unconventional and unusual liveable spaces on the planet.

Ten recipients will be selected by an expert panel of design and style innovators and each will be given a grant of $154,000 to turn their dreams into reality.

Searches for unexpected and unique spaces – such as shepherds’ huts, windmills and tiny houses – have increased by nearly 70 per cent over the last year on Airbnb.

The rental agency said some of the most booked listings of all time include domes, RVs, tree houses and yurts across the world.

This elephant is actually an Airbnb listing.

Airbnb released images of some of its more unique offerings to help get people thinking creatively, including a potato hotel in Idaho (yes, it’s shaped like a potato), a sheep wagon near the Grand Canyon, a bamboo house in Bali, and a house shaped like a boot in Nelson, New Zealand.

The Boot, on the north coast of New Zealand’s South Island, is exactly that – a cottage in the shape of a giant boot with a spiral staircase, designed by local couple Steve and Judy Richards.

Design enthusiasts can submit their proposals online where they’ll be judged on several criteria, including creativity, feasibility, sustainability and social good.

This little Airbnb in NSW is some pretty impressive inspiration.

The company said the fund was inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of its three co-founders to enable anyone with an extraordinary house idea to design and build it into a reality – to share with travellers all over the world.

The judges include actor Billy Porter, Airbnb superhost Kristie Wolfe, and architecture firm MVRDV.

“The only thing better than pushing the boundaries of style is empowering others to do the same,” Mr Porter said. “I can’t wait to see these concepts developed by design lovers from around the world first-hand.”

A boot in New Zealand has become a popular listing on Airbnb.

The company is looking for unusual shapes, unexpected locations, immersive concepts or spaces with a story.

“We’re on the hunt for people who will challenge the very idea of a house,” the competition states.

They want homes with built-in creativity, plans that are feasible for the budget, homes that use sustainable construction such as recycled materials and energy efficiency, and spaces that have a purpose to benefit guests, neighbours and the community.

The contest runs until April 16.

This article originally appeared on the New Zealand Herald and has been republished with permission