Dawn Until Dusk: ‘Solair’ Installation Illuminates Toronto‘s Waterfront

Among this year’s winning designs is ‘Solair’, a sculptural pavilion conceptualized by a team of Architecture students from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). Inspired by the fleeting transition from night to day, Solair harnesses natural elements—light, wind, and movement—to create an immersive, ever-changing sensory experience. As the wind passes through its form, reflective panels shift and shimmer, mimicking the rippling waves of Lake Ontario. Shadows move across the snow as the sun rises and falls, giving visitors an evolving visual spectacle throughout the day.

PRODUCTS AND PARTNERSHIP

Durability was a key consideration in bringing Solair to life. Exposed to months of fluctuating temperatures, high winds, and snowfall, the installation needed materials that could endure harsh outdoor conditions while remaining lightweight for assembly and transport. Garnica’s Duraply, distributed by Upper Canada Forest Products, proved to the perfect solution. Modified with an innovative treatment, Duraply offers exceptional resistance to moisture, fungi, and extreme weather, making it ideal for outdoor applications. Unlike traditional plywood, which can warp or degrade when exposed to prolonged dampness, Duraply retains its structural integrity and smooth finish even after sanding and machining.

Using Duraply, TMU was able to construct a sturdy yet visually striking installation that seamlessly blended artistic expression with engineering precision.

BENEFITS AND RESULTS

The use of Garnica’s Duraply contributed significantly to the success of Solair, offering advantages in both construction and long-term performance:

• Weather-Resistant Performance: Duraply’s enhanced resistance to fungi, xylophages, and harsh weather conditions protects the installation from Toronto’s winter elements, ensuring stability despite freezing temperatures and exposure to lakefront winds throughout the six-week exhibition.
• Sustainability: Crafted from fast-growing, sustainably sourced European poplar, Duraply aligned with the eco-conscious values of both TMU and Winter Stations, reinforcing a commitment to responsible material sourcing.
• Lightweight and Flexible: Despite its remarkable durability, the plywood is incredibly lightweight, making it easy to transport, cut, and assemble—a crucial factor for temporary installations that need to be quickly set up and removed.
• Aesthetic Integrity: Unlike other treated plywood options, Duraply maintains a smooth, high-quality finish, ideal for an artistic installation where visual impact was paramount.

Throughout the Winter Stations exhibition, Solair captivates thousands of visitors, offering an interactive experience that showcased how art, nature, and durable materials can come together in harmony. Visitors explore the installation at different times of the day, watching as shifting reflections and shadows brought the structure to life in a mesmerizing display of movement and light.

LOOKING AHEAD

The success of Solair is a testament to the power of sustainable, high-performance materials in temporary architecture. By integrating Garnica’s Duraply plywood, TMU was able to push the boundaries of what’s possible in outdoor installations, striking a balance of artistic innovation and material durability.

As Winter Stations continues to attract global talent and creativity, Garnica remains committed to providing architects, designers, and artists with versatile plywood solutions that not only meet practical demands but also elevate creative expression.

Learn more

TMU:

• Faculty advisor: Vincent Hui
• Student designers: Arjun Jain, Jade Wong Yu Tung, Finn Ferrall, Marko Sikic, and Nicholas Kisil
• Woodshop advisors: Jordan So, Jason Ramelson, and Finn Ferrall

DISTRIBUTOR: Upper Canada Forest Product