Modular, expandable microhomes offering comfort, modern design, and sustainability with Garnica Efficiency Poplar panels.
Faced with growing pressure in the Dutch housing market, an increase in single-person households, and limited access to homeownership for young and older adults, Stehome Projects developed a modular micro home concept to provide flexible, sustainable, and high-quality living solutions.
The project aimed to create prefabricated homes that comply with Dutch building regulations for permanent residential use while remaining expandable according to the user’s needs. The modular units range from 12 m² office or garden modules to fully equipped homes starting at 40 m², including kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, and can be expanded indefinitely using additional modules. This adaptability allows the living space to grow or shrink without demolition, minimizing waste and supporting circular construction principles.
The homes are built on 15.7 × 9.8 ft steel-framed modules, with 7.9-inch wood-fiber insulation (R = 31.7 ft²·°F·h/Btu), thermally modified Fraké exterior cladding, and a Sendzimir-galvanized steel roof. Comfort is ensured year-round with mechanical ventilation and a heat-pump system for heating and cooling. This combination results in a durable, energy-efficient building envelope suitable for permanent residential use.
Inside, Garnica Efficiency Poplar panels (10.17 × 5 ft × 0.71 in) are used extensively for walls, ceilings, floors, and built-in furniture such as sliding-door wardrobes and custom surfaces. The panels were selected for:
- Versatility: suitable for walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture integration
- Ease of fabrication and installation: lightweight and easy to machine, enabling efficient off-site production and precise assembly
- Aesthetics & comfort: smooth, uniform grain that creates a warm, cohesive interior atmosphere
- Sustainability: responsibly sourced material aligned with circular and energy-efficient construction
Thanks to these panels, the micro homes achieve a perfect balance between functionality, comfort, and sustainability. Their modular design allows spaces to adapt as needs change, while the high-quality materials ensure long-lasting performance and a modern, minimalist interior design. These homes are used for both permanent residential purposes and recreational placements, including private land, leased plots, and tiny house parks, and have been very well received by users and local authorities for their comfort, energy efficiency, and contemporary style.
Stehome’s modular units serve a broad range of applications, including:
• Recreational or holiday accommodations
• Garden offices and workspaces
• Care or multigenerational living units
• Starter homes
Contact us to learn how Garnica Efficiency Poplar panels can add value to your modular construction projects.
