Need an affordable home? Try living in this cube!

Monday, 4 April 2016 15:05

The University of Hertfordshire have been working on a 'cube project' to make 'microhomes' the future of affordable housing.

Microhome QB3 has just 18m2 of floor area, but uses two moving walls to convert different parts of the space between lounge, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom.

It's a flexible and modern home for a single person or a couple, and has low energy use at its heart.

QB3 uses two heat pumps (for heating and hot water), heat-recovery ventilation, LED lighting and TV, and also has triple-glazing.

There is even the option of a green roof, with solar photovoltaic panels, that would make QB3 energy neutral over a typical year.

Dr Mike Page, the director of the Cube Project, said: "Low-energy microhomes like QB3 can play a crucial role in providing affordable housing.

"There are plenty of small, underused spaces, especially in cities, in which these fun, practical buildings can play a useful role in addressing housing needs."

The 'home of the future' was debuted at the Edinburgh International Science Festival and is still being developed.

For a full image tour, click the gallery here.

Photos by Allan MacDonald

More from Local Vibes: News

NHS Trust launches five-year plan to transform services and facilities

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s (WHTH) five-year plan will aim to build on current services, facilities, and care across the region for more than 600,000 people.
The Top Five Films and TV Shows to Watch this Week (14th - 19th April 2024)

Video

From the longest ever episode of a childhood classic to a new member of the team, this week brings a whole range of fun filled viewing. It seems the sunshine has brought a sense of pure entertainment from the looks of my top five things to see over the next few days…
Local Elections: A guide on how to vote

On Thursday 2 May, the country is set to head to the polls for a local election.
Cancer support charity launches new online wellbeing tool

Cancer Compass is a free online tool that allows anyone living with or beyond cancer to check their emotional wellbeing and find the right support.
Modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet coming to Watford’s Pump House Theatre

The Pump House is delighted to present a unique 90s/2000s twist on a Shakespearean classic, reinvented for a 21st century audience. Performed by an ensemble of talented actors, who will reignite this text onto the main stage.
NHS Trust introduces service to improve newborn feeding

A new West Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust service which helps newborn babies struggling to feed because of a condition with their tongues, has already supported over 100 families since November 2023.