![Milan: OFIS](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/milan-ofis-architecture-houses-modular-residential-_dezeen_2364_col_20-852x479.jpg)
OFIS Arhitekti designs modular house suited for different terrains and climates
A team of architects and engineers led by Slovenian firm OFIS Arhitekti has designed and built a prototype modular house suited to a variety of locations, climates and terrains.
Installed in Parco Sempione for Milan design week, the Living Unit is a collaboration between architecture studios OFIS, C+C and C28, engineering firm AKT and contractor Permiz.
![Milan: OFIS](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/milan-ofis-architecture-houses-modular-residential-_dezeen_2364_col_21-852x1136.jpg)
The concept is for a flexible and adaptable module that can be combined in different configurations, to create holiday homes, tree houses, research cabins or simple shelters.
The modules can be stacked vertically – as shown by the prototype – or horizontally to suit a variety of environments and weather conditions.
![Milan: OFIS](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/milan-ofis-architecture-houses-modular-residential-_dezeen_2364_col_0-852x1277.jpg)
The structure follows a series of similar OFIS projects, which have seen the studio install modular cabins on Slovenia's Skuta Mountain, and Mount Kanin on the Slovenian-Italian border.
"Living Unit is a continuation of our research of small habitations in extreme environments," said OFIS. "[It] can be used for different purposes and be placed, temporary or permanent, on different sites and contexts."
![Milan: OFIS](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/milan-ofis-architecture-houses-modular-residential-_dezeen_2364_col_9-852x1277.jpg)
The basic unit measures 2.5 metres wide, 4.5 metres long and 2.7 metres high. It is designed to work as a single cell, with enough room inside for a bed, kitchen and bathroom.
![Milan: OFIS](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/milan-ofis-architecture-houses-modular-residential-_dezeen_2364_col_14-852x569.jpg)
The prototype has a wooden frame, reinforced by plywood boards on both sides. It can be finished in a variety of claddings depending on its use.
![Milan: OFIS](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/milan-ofis-architecture-houses-modular-residential-_dezeen_2364_col_17-852x1277.jpg)
"The material promotes the use of wood, a natural, ecological and human-friendly material," said OFIS.
"The facade and interior treatment can be changeable and flexible, so the unit in its material and finishing can be used in various site contexts."
![Milan: OFIS](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/milan-ofis-architecture-houses-modular-residential-_dezeen_2364_col_6-852x569.jpg)
Ljubljana-based OFIS Arhitekti is led by architects Rok Oman and Spela Videcnik. The studio ranked at number 170 in the inaugural Dezeen Hot List – a countdown of the most newsworthy figures and companies in architecture and design.
Other past projects include a house in a converted cattle barn and a bulbous, spotty stadium.
Living Unit is on show at Parco Sempione in Milan from 4 to 9 April 2017.
Project credits:
Architects: OFIS Arhitekti, C+C, C28
OFIS project team: Rok Oman, Spela Videcnik, Tomaz Cirkvencic, Janez Martincic, Andrej Gregoric
, Sara Carciotti, Jose Navarrete Jimenez, Lucas Blasco Sendon
C+C project team: Claudio Tombolini, Cristiana Antonini
C28 project team: Francesco Sforza Federico Pasqualini, Antonello Michelangeli
Structural engineering: AKT II
Project team: Hanif Kara Carlo Diaco
Structural engineering for foundation and local structural support: Milan Sorc, Projecta
Contractor: Bostjan Perme, Permiz
Interior: Fotonica Light, Componendo – Stilox, Cristina_rubinetterie
Visuals and 3D animation: The Black Lab, Sonicmeal