Crowdfunding projects property enthusiasts will love
Feeling charitable now we're coming up to the Christmas season (or at least expected to start shopping for it)?
Crowdfunding is the new big hit and creatives, engineers, builders, architects and others are heading to sites like Kickstarter in droves. The premise is simple - you have a fantastic idea, that people will love, but you can't find yourself a big backer to invest and fund the entire project. So you take it directly to the people that will like it themselves, who fund the project in part by donating any amount, and they receive an agreed upon benefit (that can range from a mention as a backer, to a version of the product, to an experience, to anything).
We share some of the projects that property investors, developers and enthusiasts will love. Some are quirky, some are practical, and some we just absolutely adore.
1) The DIY Concrete House Ring
Sounds unusual? That's because it is. Essentially based around creating a concrete composite unisex ring that you can put together yourself, the House Ring comes from Melbourne-based architecture graduate Linda Bennett.
"The saltbox roof and gable roof designs allow you to integrate personal associations with the meaning of 'home.'" The description reads. They're quite beautiful, and with their head nod to architecture and construction, any property enthusiast is bound to love them.
Currently, funding status is $6,540 with 54 backers, of a needed $24,500. The project has 18 days to go on Kickstarter.
2) Smart Power Strip- Control your appliances from anywhere
Smart Homes are one of the latest trends capturing the imagination, and anyone who has left the house wondering if they've left the light on (or worse the iron, oven, etc) can see a benefit in being able to turn to their phone and turn it off remotely.
While getting to this may be a way off, this cool project called the 'Smart Power Strip' essentially allows you to turn off or on anything that's plugged into this power board. From your phone. This is the brainchild of Los Angeles based Roger Yiu.
You can also keep an eye on how much electricty different appliances are using, as well as set yourself notifications to let yourself know if something has been left on.
It currently has $51,892 funded of a $100,000 goal, with 445 backers. There are 21 days left to go.
See over page for a feature film, a charitable venture and an innovative building design.
3) Bronco's House: Mark Jenkin's 16mm featurette
Something a little more artistic, this featurette is about a young couple trying to find a home.
Denzil Monk, the producer who has put up this piece, noted that it's about 'real issues'. The UK team currently have £1,720 pledged of a £6,000 goal, with 61 backers and 14 days to go.
They've also already chosen the filming locations.
4) HOME?O Roof System: Building a Prototype Shelter
"The effects of natural disasters are being felt all over the world and after last year's Hurricane Sandy, even right here at home for us in NYC. Thousands lose their homes each year and live in tarp tents or under corrugated metal roofs... there is a clear need of a more durable, climate-appropriate alternative," reads the Kickstarter page.
We're told that this project, from NYIT students, takes waste products of bottles and pallets from landfills and gives them a higher value - as roofs to assist in sheltering those from climate disasters.
It's simple, but effective, and the design is well thought out.
They've reached $4,190 of their $4,000 goal, with 53 hours to go and 250 backers. You can still donate if you think it's worthwhile (they have a 'stretch' goal of $5,000).
They've already raised $1,158 of their $1,000 goal with 47 backers, and there are still five days to go, but this project is too cute to not include.
The one-room country school explains they're looking to build a child-sized hobbit house, with the plans freely available on the internet for others to use. The best thing, is that the children get to be involved in the different aspects of constructing the hobbit house.
The kids will be getting to do wood-work, masonry, metal working and stained glass creating.
Whittenberg Country School also has some pretty good 'stretch' goals - if they hit $1,250 then they'll add a stone patio, at $1,500 they can add a small fireplace, and so on.
{module Which of these is your favourite?}