When most people imagine their dream home, they probably think of a large, sprawling vacation house that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. When Steve Areen thought about building his dream home, all he had to do was find $9,000 and a place to build. He did just that and, in a few weeks, he had a vacation home in the middle of Thailand that could make anyone drool.
In just 6 weeks, Steve was able to create the home of his dreams.
Steve Areen
With a Thai friend’s guidance, his son-in-law’s masonry skills and a lot of work, the team made progress quickly.
Steve Areen
Steve was given a place on his friend Hajjar Gibran’s mango grove to build his home.
Steve Areen
The basic structure only cost about $6,000.
Steve Areen
In Thailand, materials are cheaper, but it’s still mind blowing to know just how little this cost to make.
Steve Areen
The extra details and furnishings of the home brought the cost up another $3,000.
Steve Areen
Totaling approximately $9,000 for the entire home.
Steve Areen
It took elbow grease and dedication.
Steve Areen
But it seems so worth it.
Steve Areen
Not only does this dream home look cool, but the low-cost and quick building schedule is amazing.
Steve Areen
Cement blocks and clay bricks were used to build the home, as well as some natural materials.
Steve Areen
If he had the chance to build the home again, Steve said that he would use compressed earth blocks.
Steve Areen
Whether it’s a home away from home or your new family residence, this dome would be perfect.
Steve Areen
Imagine spending long afternoons swinging on your rooftop hammock.
Steve Areen
Or gazing into your backyard pond, filled with beautiful lilies.
Steve Areen
The dome is full of windows and natural light, really helping the house become one with nature.
Steve Areen
On the outside of the house, Steve built steps up to the roof, you can climb the entire house if you’d like to.
Steve Areen
Inside, all of the accents are natural.
Steve Areen
His shower is the big stone mosaic you see here.
Steve Areen
And the bathroom sink is made of natural bamboo and other materials.
Steve Areen
It’s hard to believe something so cheap, relative to housing prices here, could be so gorgeous.
Steve Areen
Every day would feel like a vacation.
Steve Areen
Hajjar Gibran, the friend that helped Steve build his dream home, has a dome building company. If you’d like to learn more information on the process, check out his websiteand sign up for a workshop.
Steve has traveled all over the world, collecting photos and stories to share. See them here on his online profile.
And most importantly, share this article with others. This dome home is amazing.
