Cube Houses — Attraction in Rotterdam

Rotterdam Cube Houses: A Detailed Exploration

Rotterdam's Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen) represent one of the Netherlands' most distinctive architectural landmarks, drawing worldwide attention for their innovative design and concept.

Historical Background

The Cube Houses were designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom. Initially constructed as a pilot project in the city of Helmond in the 1970s, they were later implemented on a larger scale in Rotterdam. The Rotterdam Cube Houses were planned in 1974 as part of an urban renewal project for the Oude Haven (Old Harbor) area, which had been destroyed during World War II bombing.

The Rotterdam municipality wanted to move away from functional, uninspiring architecture and sought a new architectural form that could revitalize the city. Blom conceptualized a community of homes based on the idea of "living as an urban roof," designed to resemble a forest of trees gathered together.

Architectural Features

The key architectural features of the Cube Houses include:

Cube-shaped structures tilted at a 45-degree angle on hexagonal pylons Rotterdam features 38 regular cubes and 2 larger "super cubes" The walls and windows of each cube are tilted at an angle of 54.7 degrees The exterior facades are painted in striking yellow Located on Overblaak Street, directly above the Blaak metro station Nicknamed the "Blaak Forest"

Interior Structure

Each Cube House consists of a four-level structure with approximately 100 square meters of total space, though due to the tilted walls and ceilings, only about 75% is usable:

Ground floor: entrance First floor: triangular living room and open kitchen Second floor: two bedrooms and a bathroom Top floor: used as a small garden or "relaxation space" with views of the old harbor and city skyline

Living inside requires navigating narrow staircases and creative adaptation to the tilted walls and unique geometry.

Current Uses and Visitor Information

Today, the Cube Houses serve various purposes:

Most function as regular residences One unit, the "Kijk-Kubus Museum-house," is open to visitors to showcase the interior layout Opening hours: daily from 11 AM to 5 PM Admission fees: €3.00 for adults, €2.00 for seniors (65+) and students, €1.50 for children under 12 In 2009, one of the larger cubes was converted into a Stayokay hostel, part of a Dutch hostel chain In 2019, an "Art cube" opened at Overblaak 30 to exhibit works by local artists In 2006, a Chess Piece Museum opened underneath the Cube Houses

The Cube Houses stand as a unique architectural icon of Rotterdam, representing an important architectural statement that offers a fresh approach to innovative design and urban space...

The Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen) in Rotterdam are without a doubt one of the most fascinating and imaginative architectural landmarks I’ve ever encountered. Visiting them felt like stepping into a surreal urban dream—bold, unconventional, and utterly captivating.

Designed by the visionary Dutch architect Piet Blom in the late 1970s, these iconic yellow cubes were conceived as an innovative response to urban housing needs. Blom’s idea was to create a “village within a city,” and he truly achieved something extraordinary. The concept behind the design is both poetic and practical—each cube is tilted 45 degrees and perched on a hexagonal pylon, symbolizing an abstract tree, with the entire complex forming a conceptual forest.

The architectural ingenuity is breathtaking. From the outside, the houses resemble a futuristic sculpture, but once inside, you’re struck by the clever use of space and light. Despite the seemingly awkward angles, the interior is surprisingly functional and cozy. The unique geometry invites you to rethink how we define living space and challenges traditional ideas of symmetry and structure.

A visit to the Show Cube Museum (Kijk-Kubus) is a must for anyone curious to see what it’s like to live inside one of these remarkable homes. The museum offers insight into the design process, the daily experience of residents, and the cultural significance of the project.

The Cube Houses are more than just a photo opportunity—they are a testament to Rotterdam’s bold spirit of innovation, resilience, and creative urban planning. If you’re passionate about architecture or just looking for something truly unique, don’t miss this gem. Absolutely...

The Cube Houses in Rotterdam are one of those "must see" attractions that challenges your perception of the world. Designed by architect Piet Blom they present a very singular vision of how an intentional community can live with a blending between the public and private realms.

What's nice is that you can freely walk around what is in fact a glorified pedestrian bridge. The houses stand above the walkway on concrete stalks almost jumbled together like thrown dice. Everything about them feels off-kilter and you can't help but wonder how anyone can live in such a space.

Fortunately one of the cubes is open as a museum and for a modest fee you can enter and wander around. What's immediately apparent is how you have to negotiate steep, narrow stairs to move between floors. It's rather like being in a windmill.

But still on each floor you have ordinary living rooms shoe-horned into the angular spaces. It's an impressive feat to make these areas liveable at all but you're always aware that being here means to be in the service of the architecture.

What it was to live in the '70s when such a concept could be conceived and realised. I wouldn't want to reside in such orange and brown but I admire the aspiration. If that idea floats your boat then definitely drop by...