Y:Cube
The first Y:Cube was an affordable housing unit designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP) at 200 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London.
RSHP and SIG (a supplier of specialist construction products) worked with the YMCA London South West to develop an economic and innovative housing solution, providing self-contained and affordable starter accommodation for young people unable to gain a first step on the housing ladder or pay the high costs of private rent.
The Y:Cube units are 26m2 one-bed studios for single occupancy that arrive on site as self-contained units. Each one is constructed in the factory with building services already incorporated. Water, heating and electricity can be easily connected to existing facilities or to other Y:Cubes already on site. This ‘plug and play’ approach results in a modular, demountable system of apartments that are perfectly designed for brownfield sites. Additional units can be added if needed and whole developments can be taken apart and rebuilt in new locations. This modern method of construction makes for a neighbourly, clean and quiet site.
Each unit is constructed from high quality, environmentally-efficient materials (primarily renewable timber) and can achieve a level 6 Code for Sustainable Homes rating. The factory conditions in which the pods are assembled ensures tolerances of 2mm, creating accommodation that is well insulated and requires little or no heating, even in winter months. The rent is set at 65% below the market rate.
Every resident is either referred by the London Borough of Merton or a previous resident of the YMCA. The Y:Cube provides an alternative to poor-quality, shared accommodation managed by private landlords and can offer a better solution for those in housing need within the community.
Y:Cube Housing offers a real opportunity for social investment, providing a solid return to investors whilst at the same time meeting a huge need.
Richard Blakeway, Deputy Mayor of Housing said, “Y:Cube is a fantastic example of the innovative housing projects we support to address a range of housing demands. We need bold ideas to stimulate growth and address the historic failure to build enough homes and modular construction has an important role.”
- Place: London, UK
- Date: 2013 - ongoing
- Cost: £1.6 million (for a 36-unit development)
- Area: 1640 m²
- Client: YMCA
- Architect: Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners
- Services Engineer: PBA
- Landscape Architect: Landform
- Manufacturer: Insulshell
Watch a time lapse video of the Y-Cube construction process on Vimeo.
A 36-unit Y:Cube development was created in Mitcham in 2015. See Y:Cube development in Mitcham for more information.
At the beginning of 2016, 7 further Y:Cube schemes, were proposed, including sites in Essex, south-west London and on the south coast of England, ranging in size from 15 to 36 apartments. Ref Construction Manager Magazine, 19 January 2015.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BRE Üserhuus.
- British post-war mass housing.
- Container City.
- McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford.
- Modular buildings.
- Off-site prefabrication of buildings: A guide to connection choices.
- Open source architectural plans for modular buildings.
- Plug-In to Housing.
- Prefabrication.
- Skyfarm.
- WikiHouse.
- Y:Cube development in Mitcham.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.