Ribal Zebian, an 18-year-old student from London, Ontario, gained attention in 2025 for creating a wooden electric car, which earned him a scholarship of $120,000. Now, he is making news again with a new project aimed at addressing homelessness in his community. Zebian is developing affordable housing made from fiberglass materials and is committed to living in one of his modular homes for a year to test its effectiveness.
As an engineering student at Western University, Zebian has been troubled by the increasing number of unhoused individuals and the rising housing costs. He designed a blueprint for a modular home that he believes could help tackle both issues. His prototype is constructed using fiberglass panels and thermoplastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) foam, materials he chose for their potential to create durable homes quickly, ideally in just one day.
Zebian explained that fiberglass allows for the creation of complex shapes and designs while ensuring that the homes remain robust. Instead of using traditional roofing methods, he is incorporating insulated core PET foam to enhance the roof’s strength.
He also focuses on aesthetics, aiming to design homes that are visually appealing rather than merely functional. Zebian stated that he wants these homes to be affordable, quick to build, and architecturally interesting, avoiding a bland, boxy appearance.
Since May 2026, he has been living in a prototype unit for a year to identify any issues and improve the design before seeking manufacturers. Zebian intends to experience all seasons to evaluate the home’s performance throughout the year. He believes that living in the unit will help him refine it for the best possible experience.
Zebian acknowledges that while his modular homes are not a permanent solution to homelessness, they could serve as a low-cost option for those in need of shelter until more sustainable policies are enacted. His project is encouraging others to take action in their communities as well. For those in the U.S. looking to support the unhoused, finding local shelters or charities to volunteer or donate to can make a difference.
What are your thoughts on innovative housing solutions like Zebian’s?
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Source: Upworthy, by Erik Barnes