A filter assembly is disclosed herein the filter assembly comprising: a plurality of stackable elements each comprising a frame defining a perimeter surrounding a filter media disposed within the frame, the filter media being configured for use as a diesel particulate filter and capable of being regenerated at a temperature greater than 350 degrees Celsius, each frame being configured to have either a first feature on a first surface of the frame or a second feature on a second surface of the frame or both a first feature on a first surface of the frame and a second feature on a second surface of the frame, the first feature being configured to mate with the second feature; and the first surface of each of the plurality of stackable elements further comprises an inlet opening on one end of the frame configured to align with an inlet opening on the second surface of each of the plurality of stackable elements such that a plurality of openings are defined on only one side of the filter assembly, the plurality of openings providing fluid communication to the filter media.