Cube house, Rotterdam

The Cube House (Kubuswoningen) is an architectural marvel and a must-see landmark in the bustling city of Rotterdam, Netherlands. Designed by architect Piet Blom in the late 1970s and completed in 1984, these innovative houses are a bold urban experiment that combines avant-garde design with functional living spaces.

The complex consists of 38 cube-shaped homes, each tilted at a 45-degree angle and resting upon a hexagonal pylon. The cubes represent trees, and together, the entire complex is meant to resemble a forest, aptly named "Blom's Urban Forest." This imaginative use of space and form is a response to the challenge of creating comfortable living conditions within a densely populated urban area.

The interior of the Cube Houses is as intriguing as the exterior, with innovative layouts that challenge traditional ideas of residential design. Despite their unconventional shape, the houses offer all the necessary amenities and create an unexpectedly spacious environment across three levels. The lower level contains the living area, the second level houses the bedrooms and bathroom, while the top floor, often referred to as the "high room," provides additional living space or can serve as a small terrace with panoramic views of the city.

One of the Cube Houses has been transformed into a "show cube," allowing visitors to experience the interior design and functionality of these iconic structures firsthand. This provides an insight into the daily lives of the residents and the practical use of geometric spaces.

Open to the public, the Cube Houses are not only a residential sight but also a testament to Rotterdam's reputation for innovative architecture and design. They are easily accessible by foot or public transportation, located close to the Blaak Station and the bustling market square.