How Catherine Wild Built an Award-Winning Aircrete Dome

Catherine Wild didn’t just build a house; she sculpted a masterpiece. With no prior construction experience, this visionary artist turned an ambitious dream into reality, crafting an awe-inspiring Aircrete dome home that won Airbnb’s coveted $100K OMG! Fund. Set amidst the lush Australian rainforest, this one-of-a-kind dwelling embodies sustainability, artistry, and resilience.

A Vision Takes Shape

What makes her journey so remarkable? It’s the story of an unshakable spirit, an innovative building method, and a home that feels like it’s giving you a warm embrace the moment you step inside.

 

With nothing but determination and a deep passion for unique spaces, Catherine embarked on a three-year journey of brick-making, carving, and problem-solving. Her home consists of four interconnected domes, with grand archways seamlessly linking each space, creating an open and expansive feel. There are no internal doors, just fluid movement between the kitchen, living area, bedrooms, and bathroom.

 

Despite facing personal and environmental challenges—including a divorce and the struggle of securing approval for an unconventional structure—Catherine pushed through. The result? The world’s first council-approved Aircrete dome home.

The Magic of Aircrete: Why Dome Homes Captivate

Aircrete is a game-changer in sustainable building. It’s lightweight, insulating, pest-resistant, and incredibly strong. Unlike traditional construction methods, Aircrete allows anyone—even those without prior experience—to build a solid, long-lasting home with minimal tools and materials.

 

Dome homes, in particular, offer unique benefits:

  • Seamless Integration with Nature – Their organic shape blends effortlessly into the environment, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world.
  • Energy Efficiency – The thermal properties of Aircrete mean the interior stays cool in summer and warm in winter.
  • Acoustic Serenity – Sound carries beautifully within the curves, making for a peaceful and calming indoor atmosphere.
  • Storm & Disaster Resilience – Domes naturally distribute stress, making them highly resistant to earthquakes, hurricanes, and other extreme weather.

A Tour Through Catherine’s Dome Home

Every inch of this home tells a story of craftsmanship and creativity. Let’s take a look inside:

 

Kitchen & Living Area

  • The largest of the domes, soaring 4.5 meters high, housing a fully equipped kitchen and cozy gathering space.
  • Stunning hand-carved cedar cabinetry, made by Catherine herself, adding a warm, organic touch.
  • Expansive arched windows flood the space with natural light and frame breathtaking views of the rainforest valley.

Bedrooms: Sleep in a Sanctuary

  • Both bedrooms feature matching twin slabs of cedar for bed frames, sourced from a single tree.
  • Large arched openings lead to the surrounding landscape, offering uninterrupted views and a sense of openness.
  • A charming chandelier adds a whimsical touch, enhancing the magical atmosphere.

Bathroom & Laundry Area

  • A step-in shower adorned with natural stone, embracing the wet/dry concept.
  • Thoughtful design elements, like oversized doors, maintain the home’s spacious feel.
  • A dedicated study nook for moments of quiet inspiration.

Outdoor Oasis

  • A wood-fired hot tub, offering a tranquil place to unwind under the stars.
  • A private waterfall, just a short walk from the dome, completing this retreat into nature.
  • Multiple terraces and gathering spaces for soaking in the lush, green surroundings.

Winning the Airbnb OMG! Fund: A Game-Changer

Catherine’s remarkable home was selected as one of Airbnb’s most innovative stays, earning her a $100K prize to refine and complete her dream project. This funding allowed her to upgrade her home with custom arched windows, stone countertops, and intricate cedar finishes—elevating it to an architectural wonder.

 

Airbnb saw something special: a sustainable, affordable, and artistic build that inspires others to rethink what’s possible.

A New Era of DIY Homebuilding

Catherine’s story is more than just about building a home—it’s about proving that anyone can create their own dream space. Aircrete, as a building material, makes self-sufficiency achievable, especially for those looking for alternative, affordable housing solutions.

 

Her journey serves as an invitation: Why settle for a traditional home when you can craft a living work of art?

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Stay in the Dome

Want to experience this extraordinary home yourself? Catherine’s dome is available to book on Airbnb, offering guests the chance to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying a space that feels alive with creativity and innovation.

Book your stay and step inside a new way of living.

Explore Catherine's Floor Plan
Elysian Falls Home Plans: 970 sq ft, 4 domes, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen
Elysian Falls Home Plans: 970 sq ft, 4 domes, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen
Elysian Falls Home Plans: 970 sq ft, 4 domes, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen
Elysian Falls Home Plans: 970 sq ft, 4 domes, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen
Elysian Falls Home Plans: 970 sq ft, 4 domes, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen
Elysian Falls Home Plans: 970 sq ft, 4 domes, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen
Elysian Falls Home Plans: 970 sq ft, 4 domes, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen
Elysian Falls Home Plans: 970 sq ft, 4 domes, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen
Elysian Falls Home Plans: 970 sq ft, 4 domes, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen
Elysian Falls Home Plans: 970 sq ft, 4 domes, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen
Elysian Falls Home Plans: 970 sq ft, 4 domes, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen
Elysian Falls Home Plans: 970 sq ft, 4 domes, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen
Elysian Falls Home Plans: 970 sq ft, 4 domes, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen
Elysian Falls Home Plans: 970 sq ft, 4 domes, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen
Elysian Falls Home Plans: 970 sq ft, 4 domes, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen
Elysian Falls Home Plans: 970 sq ft, 4 domes, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen
Elysian Falls Home Plans: 970 sq ft, 4 domes, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen

Elysian Falls Home Plans: 970 sq ft, 4 domes, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen

These downloadable plans are for a 1000 SQF four-dome building with some nice features. This can be a one —or two-bedroom, one-bath building. We love the way all four domes are connected, and you can see down the length, which makes the space feel a lot larger. The big arches allow for a lot of light from the windows. They also allow standard windows to be used with just a few custom curved windows, saving building costs.

What is included in the package:

  • 8 Page Construction document with detailed dimensions, foundation plan, and elevations
  • 3D model files to open in free 3D Max Viewer & AutoCAD; these can be used for cost-effective modifications.
  • High-resolution Renderings for use in Presentations

We also offer customization services.  You can mark up these plans with changes you want and it usually costs only $300-$400 to have them customized.

Note: There are no refunds on this product once purchased.
View Plan

FREE E-BOOK
Aircrete Domes: Guidebook

Includes: overview of the techniques, equipment, designs, construction principles, building process and all the basics on how to build with aircrete.