Overview / Challenge

How do you inspire people to go green when building their homes?

Ben Polley of Evolve Builders Group envisioned an extraordinary demonstration project — a fully operational, eco-friendly straw-bale smart home built inside the Toronto Convention Centre for the Toronto Home Show.

To bring this ambitious idea to life, he needed to ignite public excitement, attract volunteers, and secure donated materials — all while educating thousands of attendees about sustainable homebuilding.

My Role

As illustrator and visual designer, I collaborated with Ben Polley to translate his complex vision into an accessible, story-driven infographic.

I designed the visual layout, iconography, and flow so that every element clearly communicated the benefits and innovation behind this “living classroom” home.

Process

We created a large-format infographic that mapped every smart, sustainable feature of the house — from energy systems to straw-bale insulation and reclaimed materials.

• Used numbered call-outs and visual cues to guide visitors through each eco-feature.

• Designed accompanying printed materials that expanded on each numbered section for deeper learning.

• Ensured the visuals felt approachable, vibrant, and hopeful — inviting both experts and newcomers into the sustainability story.

The goal: make the home’s complexity clear and its mission inspiring.

solution/Results

The infographic became the centerpiece of the campaign — helping Ben and his team rally a movement of support around sustainable construction.

• Inspired over 200 volunteer laborers to join the build.

• Helped secure thousands of material donations from suppliers and partners.

• Educated thousands of visitors at the Toronto Home Show about straw-bale building and renewable living.

• After the event, the Home Alive house found a permanent home at Everdale Farm in Erin, Ontario, where it continues to serve as an educational showcase for eco-friendly design.

Through storytelling and clear visual communication, the Home Alive campaign proved that when people understand sustainability, they’re inspired to build it.