Faculty of Design

Environmental Design - Interior Design Specialization

Jiaxuan Li

Glow

A small temporary home on the shore of Toronto’s Cherry Beach. The use of Kalwall panels reduces carbon footprint and bring in soft daylight. At night, a gentle glow escapes from within, turning the house into a quiet lighthouse. The compact design also explores efficient use of space, offering a small response to urban housing shortages. A dwelling that asks for less from the planet.

“This project explores how architecture can lower its carbon impact while remaining functional and meaningful. The exterior walls of the house are made of Kalwall panels, which is a fiberglass material that makes the enclosure light, bright, and thermally efficient. The building takes an irregular white form with an artificial looking facade. This shape deliberately contrasts with the natural lakeside landscape. That contrast echoes the harm plastic products inflict on the environment. By standing out rather than blending in, the house becomes a quiet symbol of pollution.At night, the Kalwall panels allow interior light to seep out as a soft halo. The house glows like a small lighthouse, adding an unexpected presence to Cherry Beach.Lastly, the limited footprint pushes every square foot to serve a purpose. All of this creates a small temporary house that questions waste, celebrates lightness, and tries to live more gently in a dense city.”