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Cube Houses in Rotterdam by Piet BlomLocated in the center of Rotterdam, these tilted cube-shaped houses form a village within the Dutch city, a modern concept designed to represent an urban forest. Completed in 1984 by the late architect Piet Blom, around 40 traditional houses were tilted at 45 degrees to rest on a hexagon-shaped pylon, transforming the idea of structural design by playing with angles and conventionality.1
Cube Houses in Rotterdam by Piet BlomThese buildings were the first cube-shaped houses in Holland, a country better known for its beautiful spindly buildings that tower above passers-by. The concept behind Blom's unusual design was to create a living roof in which people could live in high density housing but with sufficient space.2
Cube Houses in Rotterdam by Piet BlomAfter three test versions the "woonwoud" (living woods) were finally built in the area of Helmond, arranged around the Theater 't Speelhuis. Now one of the houses remains unoccupied so that visitors can take a look and get a feel for the unconventional use of interior space.3
