Rubicon – ADC

A net zero residential development in northwest Cambridge by Alison Brooks Architects reimagines high-density, low-rise living through a cycle-centred community-focused model.

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Hufton+Crow, Ben Hughes, Ben Luxmoore

Sited at the threshold of the 150-hectare Eddington masterplan in northwest Cambridge, Rubicon by Alison Brooks Architects defines the area’s urban edge while also providing a seamless transition to the wetlands beyond. Designed for the University of Cambridge and The Hill Group, the project merges warehouse loft typologies with the collegiate court, creating a permeable and connected living environment. The development comprises 186 homes across 0.74 hectares, with 35 per cent allocated to university and key-worker housing.

A series of tessellating S- and L-shaped buildings define the scheme, their forms articulated by curved corners, undulating rooflines, and glazed brick façades in shimmering hues of green, yellow, azure, and silvery grey. The sculptural roofline is intended to echo the gentle contours of the Cambridgeshire landscape, unifying the varied volumes. Courtyards on the western edge adopt the character of Cambridge’s historic colleges, while urban-facing spaces integrate with the wider neighbourhood, stitching together two distinct contexts.

At street level, an activated ground floor is designed to foster community interaction. Each block incorporates semi-public co-working foyers, encouraging social engagement between residents, from academics and professionals to university staff, students, and retirees. These ‘third spaces’ serve as informal gathering hubs, supporting a collaborative residential culture.

Achieving Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5, the project employs a ‘fabric-first’ approach with low U-values and high levels of airtightness. On-site renewable energy accounts for 82 per cent of operational needs, supplemented by a combined heat and power district heating system and mechanical heat recovery ventilation to optimise efficiency. A site-wide rainwater harvesting system and underground waste management further reduce environmental impact.

“More than just a housing project, Rubicon offers a vision for the future of sustainable living by interweaving cycling, home-working, community spaces, and landscapes,” commented Alison Brooks, Principal at Alison Brooks Architects. Tom Hill, Managing Director at The Hill Group, added, “Rubicon sets the standard in sustainable development, integrating innovative systems to minimise environmental impact while enhancing quality of life.”

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