At just 18 years old, Ribal Zebian is already developing a reputation for turning bold ideas into real-world solutions.
Last year, the London, Ontario student made headlines after building an electric car out of wood, a project that earned him a $120,000 scholarship. Now, Zebian is drawing attention again, this time for tackling one of the most pressing issues facing his community: homelessness.
His solution? A compact, affordable modular home that can be built in a single day.
And to prove it’s viable, Zebian says he’ll live in one himself for an entire year.
From Concern to Concept
Now an engineering student at Western University, Zebian says the idea was sparked by what he was seeing around him, a growing unhoused population in his hometown alongside soaring housing costs.
“I was really concerned with the rising number of people without homes, but also the rising cost of housing overall,” Zebian explained in interviews. “Those two problems are deeply connected.”
With that in mind, he began designing a modular housing concept meant to provide fast, affordable shelter while maintaining durability and livability.
Built in a Day, Designed to Last
Zebian’s modular home design relies on fiberglass panels combined with thermoplastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) foam, materials he believes allow for rapid construction without sacrificing structural integrity.
“With fiberglass you can make extravagant molds, and you can replicate those,” Zebian told CTV News. “It can be duplicated.”
Instead of traditional roof trusses, the design uses an insulated PET foam core to support the structure.
“For our roofing system, we’re not using the traditional truss method,” he said. “We’re using actually an insulated core PET foam that supports the structure and structural integrity of the roof.”
According to Zebian, the entire unit could be assembled in just one day, a key factor when addressing urgent housing needs.
Affordable, But Not Bare Bones
While affordability is central to the project, Zebian is adamant that temporary housing doesn’t need to look or feel disposable.
“Essentially, what I’m trying to do is bring a home to the public that could be built in one day, is affordable, and still carries some architecturally striking features,” he told the London Free Press.
“We don’t want to be bringing a house to Canadians that is just boxy and that not much thought was put into it.”
The modular design allows for customization, making it possible to tailor units to different needs, climates, and personal preferences, something Zebian believes is essential for dignity and long-term use.
Putting His Idea to the Ultimate Test
Beginning in May 2026, Zebian plans to move into one of his modular homes and live there for a full year.
The goal is to test the structure through all four Canadian seasons, summer, fall, winter, and spring, while identifying any design flaws or usability issues.
“We want to see if we can make it through all four seasons,” Zebian said. “But that’s not the only thing. When you live in something that long and use it, you can notice every single mistake and error, and you can optimize for the best experience.”
Only after completing the year-long trial does Zebian plan to approach manufacturers about scaling production.
A Step, Not a Silver Bullet
Zebian is careful to note that his modular homes aren’t a permanent fix for homelessness or the broader housing crisis.
Instead, he sees them as a bridge solution, a way to provide safe, dignified shelter while longer-term policies and affordable housing initiatives catch up.
His approach has resonated with many who see innovation as one piece of a much larger puzzle.
At 18, Zebian isn’t claiming to have all the answers, but he is proving that compassion, creativity, and follow-through can coexist.
And sometimes, meaningful change starts with someone willing to build the solution, and live in it themselves.
Featured Image from Instagram: @ribalzebian