Modulo

What it does

Modulo is an innovative sensor that detects early mould growth before it becomes a hazard. It correlates temperature and humidity to pinpoint mould in real time, providing evidence-based insights so occupants can act promptly to protect their health and homes.

Your inspiration

Damp and mould plague 6.5 million UK households, causing asthma, allergies, and even death. Hidden mould behind walls and furniture poses greater risks. Seeing friends suffer from undetected mould, we created Modulo: an affordable, home‑integrated sensor system that maps temperature and humidity to pinpoint early mould growth in real-time, empowering occupants to take swift, evidence‑based action and prevent serious health hazards. With its user-friendly dashboard and instant alerts, Modulo tracks growth trends, suggests targeted interventions to reduce remediation costs, ensuring mould prevention and healthier homes year‑round.

How it works

Modulo is an innovative home sensor system that detects early mould growth by measuring moisture, temperature and humidity to pinpoint risk areas in real time. Its core technology comprises a thin, self‑adhesive sensor sheet that tracks capacitance changes alongside environmental conditions, a compact signal box that powers the sheets and transmits data wirelessly, and an Interaction Cube that uses intuitive colour signals to prompt healthy ventilation or warn of emerging mould. After a one‑week calibration period to learn each home’s unique moisture and behaviour patterns, Modulo continuously correlates readings to generate targeted alerts: users simply remove the affected sheet for remediation and replace it to resume monitoring. Designed for social housing residents, landlords and councils, Modulo reduces health risks, prevents costly property damage and fosters healthier, more resilient living environments.

Design process

We began with extensive primary research alongside tenants, landlords, councils, academic researchers and technology specialists. Working with a council in Greater London, we accessed a vacant property as a case study for scoping opportunities and shaping our behaviour‑change strategy through interviews with residents living with damp and mould. In parallel, our technical exploration surveyed sensing modalities—from biosensors to capacitance sensors—and assessed factors including temperature, humidity, organic matter and actual mould growth. Bench‑rig experiments confirmed that mould colonisation on bread produced measurable capacitance shifts, offering early proof of concept. For development and validation, we partnered with experts at Imperial College London, the University of Cambridge and the Well Home Study in White City to refine sensing algorithms and field‑test prototypes. Engagements with landlords, contractors and retrofitters informed our real‑world implementation strategy and value proposition. Finally, we translated our technology into a manufacturable product through system, industrial and assembly design, working with a conductive‑ink and printed‑graphics manufacturer to create a fully functional screen‑printed prototype ready for pilot deployment.

How it is different

Modulo is an early detection mould-specific sensor designed to be seamlessly integrated into homes, providing a disruptive novelty approach through the following key innovations. By capturing historical humidity and temperature patterns on the walls, Modulo can diagnose different types of dampness and offer residents real-time feedback on how their actions affect readings, encouraging healthier behaviours and proactive mould prevention. Unlike existing sensors that rely on non-location-specific air sampling, Modulo directly detects mould growth by measuring capacitance changes, providing targeted, actionable data for efficient and cost-effective interventions. Its self-adhesive design ensures easy installation and durability throughout its lifespan, making it ideal for large-scale deployment in social housing.

Future plans

We are progressing through the shortlisting stages of several incubator programmes, seeking funding to advance the technical development of Modulo sensors within controlled mould‑prone interior testing environments. Over the next two years, we aim to refine sensor performance on building materials and initiate pilot deployments. Additionally, we are strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, including local councils, housing associations, and landlords. Through a combination of in‑depth market research and ongoing technical validation, we are laying the groundwork for scalable implementation of Modulo in real-world housing settings.

Awards

iF Design Student Award, Winner, 2025. Hult Prize Challenge, 2025 (Shortlist), William Sutton Prize, 2025 (Shortlist), Inventive Pioneers Award, 2024 (Finalists)