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Sustainable Modular Design with No Footprint House

Perched on the edge of Costa Rica’s rainforest, the No Footprint House (NFH) is a modular home setting a new benchmark for sustainable design.

 

 

Designed by A-01, it utilises on passive climate control through natural ventilation and solar shading, reducing the need for mechanical cooling. Built around a compact central service core that houses utilities, the open-plan design allows the surrounding space to be flexible and adaptable. Sliding façade panels regulate airflow, light, and privacy, creating a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors.

The NFH is offered in three sizes (36 m², 81 m², and 108 m²), designed for different living needs. The modular components – steel framing, FSC-certified wood, bamboo, and perforated panels – are carefully selected to minimise environmental impact. Prefabrication in Costa Rica’s Central Valley ensures high-quality construction and efficient transport to the site, with the home arriving on a single truck. The NFH can operate off-grid using renewable energy, making it adaptable to remote and urban settings alike.

The No Footprint House reflects many of the values we prioritise at Modscape – modular construction and sustainable material use. Its prefabricated structure ensures efficiency and minimal site disruption, mirroring our Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) approach. Its central service core and adaptable façade panels demonstrate smart design that enhances comfort and energy efficiency. With off-grid capability and flexible sizing, the NFH aligns with our commitment to future-proof, environmentally conscious living.

Credits

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