A Vancouver Island woman is just one of 100 people from around the world to receive funding to help build a unique rental home.
The funding comes from Airbnb's $10-million "OMG! Fund," which is providing 100 winners with up to US$100,000 to help get their projects off the ground and open by summer 2023.
This year's recipients come from 20 countries around the world, including two Canadian winners.
Kate Chandler, from Vancouver Island, had her "Goat House" design chosen as one of the recipients this year.
The design is described as a "grass-roofed, glass-fronted forest adventure house" that's nearby to some farm animals, including goats.
The upcoming Goat House is near Chandler's property, which she describes as something a little smaller than a farm but that has animals and a harvestable garden.
Guests at the Goat House will be able to hang out with Chandler's goats, harvest duck eggs, or simply "enjoy the environment" and go on nearby hikes.
"What inspired this is kind of the notion of giving people new experiences and getting people to live more simply," Chandler told CTV News.
"Really kind of offering a chance to be a part of that, if they like, or not. It's kind of like a choose your own adventure," she said.
The designs and floor plans of the Goat House are still underway, meaning photos and renderings aren't available yet.
The home is described as having a large glass entrance and a "living roof" covered in grass, which Chandler says is a natural form of insulation and rain retention.
"I'm hoping it will also be a place the goats like to visit," she said.
Chandler has never designed another building before or hosted an Airbnb, but has always been fascinated with architecture and design.
"It's super exciting," she said.
"What an awesome opportunity that Airbnb created for people around the world to bring their wild ideas to life."
Chandler is originally from Victoria but lived abroad for several years. She's now back on the island but isn't giving any hints as to wear the Goat House will be located until it's ready.
Meanwhile, the other Canadian winner, Melissa Williamson of Lac Pelletier, Sask., received funding for her project which is designed to look like a giant vintage TV.
"At the south end of the lake, it’s hard to miss the massive fire orange vintage TV perched next to the shoreline," said Melissa.
"Boaters on the lake can catch a glimpse of whatever production is going on inside the TV: That’s YOU! Baby you’re a STAR!" she wrote.
Other winners from across the world include a giant dinosaur skull-shaped building in the U.S., a "floating avocado" in Chile, and a lighthouse that's accessible only be boat in Sweden.
The 100 recipients of the OMG! Fund were chosen by a panel of judges, including U.S. interior designer Iris Apfel, architect Koichi Takada, and Airbnb senior management.
Once the homes are ready for rental, they will be featured in Airbnb's "OMG! Category."
