When I first saw these houses in photographs, I thought it was just some kind of futuristic art object or museum. But when you start to figure it out, it turns out that is a real Kubuswoningen residential area, where people live every day.
This unusual area is located in the city center Rotterdam, on the pedestrian street Overblaak, next to Blaak station and the huge Markthal market.
What is it in general: a street, a neighborhood or a residential complex
In fact, this is not a single street, as it is sometimes written, but a small architectural complex.
Kubuswoningen is the entire complex of cubic houses, Kijk-Kubus is a museum inside one of the houses, and Overblaak is the street in Rotterdam where they are located.
The project consists of:
- 38 cube-shaped residential buildings
- several large cubes
- a pedestrian street under them
That is, it is simultaneously:
- a residential area
- an architectural landmark
- a tourist destination
But first of all, ordinary residential apartments.
The idea of architecture
The complex was designed by architect Piet Blom.
His idea was rather strange, but interesting: he wanted to build a “forest city”.
According to his idea:
- the trunk of a tree is a concrete support
- the crown of a tree is a residential cube
Therefore, each house:
- tilts about 45°
- stands on a hexagonal column
- looks like an inverted cube.
You can feel it inside too — the walls and windows are angled, and the space is very unusual.
When they were built
The complex was built in 1982-1984.
It was a period when post-war Rotterdam was actively experimenting with architecture, and the city became one of the most daring architectural centers in Europe.
Today, these houses are considered one of the symbols of the city.
Do people really live there?
Yes.
Most of the cubes are ordinary residential apartments.
Inside:
- several floors
- kitchen
- living room
- bedrooms
The area is approximately 90-100 m2.
Because of the sloping walls, the space is not very conveniently used, so it’s a bit strange to live there, but many residents say they quickly get used to it.
Is it possible to get inside
Yes, but not all houses.
One of the cubes was specially made an apartment museum:
Kijk-Kubus Museum House
There you can:
- view the layout
- understand how people live inside
- climb to the top floor
This is the most popular way to view a house from the inside.
Is it possible for tourists to walk there
Yes, freely.
There is a pedestrian street under the cubes, and tourists come there all the time.:
- photographing houses
- walking
- looking at architecture
It’s a completely open place.
Is there a business and cafe there
Yes.
The complex includes:
- small offices
- hostel
- cafe
- souvenir shops
But the main part is still residential apartments.
Are apartments for sale
Sometimes— yes.
Apartments there periodically appear on the real estate market.
- But they are bought most often by:
- lovers of unusual architecture
- investors
- people who want to live in the center of Rotterdam.
Rent is also common.
Why did this place become famous
Because it is one of the most recognizable architectural experiments in Europe.
There are almost no such houses anywhere else , and when you see them in person, you get the feeling that you have entered some kind of architectural experiment or a city of the future.
