It would be a big mistake when coming to Rotterdam, the Netherlands, without seeing the Cube Houses (kubuswoningen in Dutch). This is some of the most famously unique architecture you cannot find anywhere else in the world. The Cube Houses Rotterdam are appealing not just because of their appealing outside but also their distinct inside furniture.
1. What Are the Cube Houses of Rotterdam?
The Cube Houses (“Kubuswoningen” in Dutch) are a group of modern homes in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
- Where to find it?
You can find the Cube Houses near the city’s Blaak metro station. They are right above ground level on top of a pedestrian walkway.
You can explore more at this video:
2. A Brief History of the Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen) in Rotterdam
Rotterdam, like many other European cities, suffered significant damage during WWII. The town then soon comes to life and thrives. In the later part of the 20th century, Rotterdam was home to new and modern architectural designs.
In the 1970s, Rotterdam city planners had architect Piet Blom design functional accommodations with ground-level pedestrian access. Inspired by his preceding cubic houses in Helmond, Blom developed a creative plan for the project in 1977.
The Cube Houses construction was finally completed by 1984.
- See more: 10 Impressive Rotterdam Buildings That Make This City Stand Out
3. A Cutting-edge Rotterdam Housing Concept
For ages, Rotterdam Cube Houses‘ architecture remains among the most creative and modern in the Netherlands.
These eye-catching residences are cubes tilted 45 degrees on their side, utilized to maximize available space. As a result, the buildings look and feel in ways that are unlike anything else in the world.
Focus on these three notable characteristics of this uncompromising architecture and you’ll find it easy to imagine.
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3.1. Abstract Shape
Blom aimed to make it look like an abstract forest with 38 normal-sized cubic homes and two other larger “super cubes”. The roofs will be triangular to give the feeling of being treetops.
Each cube’s walls are bent at 54.7 degrees, making a surreal illusion inside and out.
- Read now: 10 Hidden Attractions In Rotterdam Revealed By Locals
3.2. Three Floors
Meanwhile, the three-floor houses were built on concrete pillars with wooden frames.
- Their ground floor serves as the entrance
- The first floor has a living room and an open kitchen
- The second floor has two bedrooms and a bathroom
- The top floor has small rooftop gardens
The first thing you might notice when walking inside is that all of the walls are slanted. And as you approach the top half of the building, remember to keep your head down.
3.3. Pedestrian Walkway
The Cube Houses of Rotterdam optimize public space by keeping living areas above ground and allowing extra room for foot traffic and retail stores.
The Cube Houses maximize space by keeping homes above ground and making more room for walking and stores.
4. Step Inside a Rotterdam Cube House
Living in a building with unique architecture has both advantages and disadvantages. Besides enjoying the amenities it brings, you can also show off your unique experiences to your friends.
However, the building’s unique architecture has also brought trouble, especially from curious non-residents.
As a result, after being bothered by strangers, a resident of the Cube Houses made a bold decision. He (or she) decided to owner opened the Show Cube Museum (Kijk-Kubus). This allows visitors to take a tour to see the fully-furnished Cube House.
It also showcases some of the day-to-day difficulties that residents confront, such as purchasing and installing furniture in a building with irregular walls.
In 2009, the Rotterdam-based PA (Personal Architecture) BNA transformed one of the cubes for one of the top hostel chains. Today, you can have a feel-like living experience in a real Cube House at Stayokay Hostel Rotterdam. The beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding area is really worth paying a visit to.
5. 9 Things You Didn’t Know about Rotterdam’s Cube Houses
To conclude, we’d like to address the important things about Rotterdam Cube Houses again. Also, there will be facts you might not know about it (something we didn’t mention before).
- The Cube Houses are above a pedestrian bridge
- Each house is angled at 45 degrees
- People are now living there! So, while exploring, try not to peer too closely into their windows
- You are welcome to take a look inside, for a fee, of course
- All of the walls here are diagonal
- Every house has three stories
- Most of the residences have their own sunroofs
- In the courtyard, you can play life-size chess
- Since there is a not-so-secret viewpoint, make sure to overlook the stunning skyline and port before leaving
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