The Modular Unit (MU50) is a small-scale, modular, off-grid structure, designed to be recyclable and adaptable to a wide variety of sites.

Through its simplicity, flexibility and choice of materials, this structure is intended to bring beauty to the users’ daily lives; to allow them to incorporate it into their quotidian landscape and to connect with the surrounding nature reducing at most its carbon footprint.

A single module consists of two untreated Larch timber frames and the enclosure between them. The structural frames and the enclosure define the shell of the project, while its interior core consists of a separately constructed service pod with amenities and storage space.

The pod includes the bathroom and kitchen as well as necessary storage space. 

The exterior decks, protected at different times of the day by manually operated timber shades, offer a variety of micro-climatic outdoor experiences.

The structural Larch-wood frames and the enclosure panels are prefabricated and then easily mounted on site reducing the installation time.

Details of the steep gable-roof cover were developed for three possible building materials – wood, aluminum and copper; the latest material was used to cover MU50. 

The enclosure is double glazing on all sides of the building. The glass enclosure helps to establish a feeling of connection to the surroundings. However, other materials could be chosen to match different functions or conditions.

Except for an enclosed structural bay on the south facade which contains all the mechanical and electrical equipment. This includes a ground source heat pump for the custom designed underfloor heating and cooling system integrated into the timber frame. 

This is a multi-layered passive climatic control surface. The roof houses the photovoltaic and solar panels, making them an integrated component of the design language.

The thermal insulation and waterproofed panel finish above the laminated wood roof structure provides the function of a conventional system; copper surface mounted above provides an efficient passive control, by creating continuous air movement and shading above the unit. 

The unit also incorporates spatial resources and technologies that reduce its environmental impact.

An open plan allows natural lighting and cross ventilation. Building orientation and custom made double pane glazing and piston-operated pine sunshades all protect the interior from direct sunlight.

Transparent surfaces minimise the necessity for artificial lighting. Ground source heat pump and underfloor heating constitute an efficient system that makes use of minimal energy. The floor of the unit is raised above the ground, which allows air circulation below its surface. 

MU50 was designed to allow a wide range of building uses and maximise site flexibility. The elements of this modular system can be varied in number and materials to house different building functions.

Modular units could be constructed anywhere, from a mountain slope in the Alps to a rooftop in New York.