Inside Toronto's ICONIC 90's Cube Homes! You Won't Believe What's Inside!

[@Kyla94934]

I'd love to see the studio again once it's completed!

[@Kyla94934]

What a weird and neat idea. I'm glad you got to explore this and share it with us! Big thanks to your friend Alex!

[@wyattchinn1036]

I'VE WANTED TO SEE INSIDE THIS THING FOR 30 YEARS!

[@janinafisher101]

Me too!!!

[@Binnacle33]

Me, three. 😂

[@ConstructionKronies]

Yes me too!

[@e.w.3989]

i was in there. kinda cool. fun experience

[@lucsmith2092]

A shame that it wasn’t preserved properly. It would be an amazing design work space. Can’t wait to see the finished project. Thanks to Alex for letting Noah film a tour!

[@BGRANT777X]

90s doesn't count as historic but when it comes to private property you can always buy it and preserve it yourself.

[@bunsw2070]

@@BGRANT777X You first.

[@oh_k8]

This is why renters get a bad name.

[@BGRANT777X]

@@bunsw2070 nah, tear that shit down.

[@DAMIENSAQUAWORLD]

I lived in that exact unit in 2003-2004. It was not in such bad shape, although it did get so cold that winter that the pipes froze and then burst. There was water damage in the entrance and stairwell. We had squirrels that had taken up residence in the walls for a while, then a skunk that got trapped under the building when someone blocked its exit/entrance. It died and the stench remained for months. It was definitely a experience. Everyone was fascinated about the building, couldn't believe that I lived there and of course all wanted a look inside. I could have made money selling a cover charge. The whole experience was very dicey. I was renting it from someone who was presenting himself to be the owner but turned out to be the previous tenant, who was in jail, caught doing some money scheme. He had a friend show me the space and act like he was the owner. On several occasions I returned home and had a feeling that someone had been in my place, stuff looked like it had been moved, missing. Called the police when the other tenant in cube 1 who was using the space as a design architecture company office filled me in on what was the real story and my suspicions about someone being in my place, going through my stuff, was not crazy. Can't say I enjoyed the year I lived there, was traveling often for work, so spent about 6 months out of the 1 year in it. All the drama, sketchy rental, sublet, police , convict was too much to stomach. Are you still able to open the skylight rooftop window on the top floor? There's a long pole that you use the turns a mechanism on it and you can open it to get some circulation. It can get very hot on the third floor in the summer and unless the AC was on full blast, it was unbearable. Thanks for the blast from my past

[@oh_k8]

Why did they trap the skunk in the basement? That's cruel.

[@triciasawyer9750]

@@oh_k8basement? You might want to take a closer look at the elevated cubes.

[@oh_k8]

@@triciasawyer9750 he said under the building so I assume the skunk dug out a hole under the building and somebody trapped it in there which is very cruel.

[@lililinda6947]

@@oh_k8 agreed that’s so ignorant why would they do that

[@oh_k8]

@@lililinda6947 She probably had pups, which is why she dug out a den. That's very sad and a terrible way to die.

[@MM-tw6cm]

i lived in Scarborough for 4 yrs and had gone past that building so many times- it was in 1996 to 2000 so saw it when brand new and under construction- had always wondered what inside looked like, thanks for sharing

[@irenewatts2874]

Hi Noah I never knew cube houses existed. It’s really cool and different. I like the idea of your friend making music there and letting others come in if they want to rent. I like the idea and it sure is different. Yes I think you should come back after Alex does all the renovations so we can see the after. A really cool and interesting subject Noah. Stay safe and well.👍🆒

[@LOOTLESS1]

Pretty cool place, horrible location, horrible upkeep. Alex, who's footing the bill for these upgrades? That's going to be a pretty penny to make nice! It's also a fire hazard, that fire escape is unusable in its current state. Getting that in order should be a day one job. You have to go down stairs to access it. Don't put too much of your own money into a place that could only be yours for a few months. Alex, stop and think with a clear mind before you walk into this! I'd hate to see you lose alot of money and time in this place. I wish you the very best! Be smart and be safe! Keep us posted!! I look forward to it. Thanks Noah!

[@janinafisher101]

Such a noisy space too with all the traffic going by!

[@criticaloptimist]

Came here to say this. Investing that much time and resources to fix up something that could be gone tomorrow seeks foolish.

[@mattking1094]

​@@criticaloptimist well, he did suggest that he is going to put a new floor over the carpet...

[@maggieg.6407]

i always wondered what was inside these cubes when i was a kid. thank you for sharing this with us! it's a shame they're not more well loved.

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

Roof first ... Inside next .. Best of luck .👍✌️

[@KimmyLove6932]

Noah please make a revisit when the studios are complete. That would be neat. Thank you Alex for letting Noah do the tour. I always wondered what these looked like inside.

[@nickbakker6963]

Interesting building! Designing something like this is certainly "thinking outside the box..." Thanks Alex and Noah!! Interesting!!

[@rubenskiii]

I find it kinda funny that people think it’s an eyesore when most of North America is just boxes disguised as buildings… Just look across the street of the cube. It’s a litteral box. I am from the Netherlands and lived in Rotterdam. The ones in Rotterdam are beautiful and lovingly cared for, what also really helps is that the space underneath is developed and made nice, so it doesn’t feel like an oilrig dumped on shore. Funnily enough the ones in Rotterdam wheren’t the first, in Helmond you can find the first ones build. Warm greetings from the Netherlands🇳🇱! And good it atleast is captured on camera, so it atleast is digitally preserved.

[@bbb-1-2-3]

cool comment. what year were they designed/ built originally, its very interesting concept. are materials and build quality what differs the most from one in Toronto?

[@rubenskiii]

@@bbb-1-2-3 heya it was part of a research program in how faster, cheaper and more efficient ways of building could be used without turning it into depressing Soviet esque flatblocks. They wanted to see far they could push it with the then quite new forms of reinforced concrete, prefab building parts and fast building. There a various buildings still left, including spherical ones(bolwoningen) and a whole neighbourhood on stilts(de Kasbah) The program ran for quite a while, with intervals from 1965(the year architect Piet Blom finished his study "Living as an urban roof" till 1984, the year the now famous Cubehouses in Rotterdam where finished. The program wasn't a direct succes as in there are now Cubehouses everywhere but it was mainly meant as a testbed for how u could use concrete in other ways than just make blocks, and an in-depth research to how architecture informs social interaction between neighbours. The lessons from this project are still being used succesfully to this day. And it works. I am Dutch myself so i am kinda used to it, taking it for granted. Normal is normal u know. But when i go abroad and see neighbourhoods who lack this kind of planning it is shocking and often sad. Warm greetings from the Netherlands🇳🇱.

[@kennyj204]

It’s not much if it’s not Dutch!

[@blackprince7510]

@@bbb-1-2-3 1974 for the three in Helmond, Netherlands and 1977 for the ones in Rotterdam. The three in Toronto were built in 1996.

[@michaelbrownlee9497]

@@blackprince7510 no way, remember the great pub Rotterdam back then, also had Amsterdam. Always thought the buildings were cool.

[@lifeoflaura1733]

Yes I would love to see it when it's renovated for sure

[@denisewatson5295]

I would love to see this again once it is finished. I never knew that cube houses 🏘 existed. Thanks for the video.

[@AyyWalker]

thanks for coming by noah!

[@tammyroszel3478]

I love it creative people see more then jus damp walls and damaged floors ❤

[@tedlivermore6955]

​@@tammyroszel3478He might wanna give Mike Holmes a call

[@sassysue6472]

Very cool. Great idea for a music studio. I can see the creative types using this kind of building. Too bad it wasn’t maintained. Very unique-and definitely show us the completed project.

[@karenmilligan5597]

Sure, we want to see the studio when it is up and going. Thanks for the tour of the cubes.

[@plumdutchess]

The top floor definitely had the 90's vibe.

[@jouvellemcwatters169]

Hi from Australia 🇦🇺. Wow was a weird cool place 😊. Yes I would like to see the update .Thanks for sharing.

[@UncappedFilms]

Very cool spot. I would like to see it when it's done. I would like to try it when it's done lol.

[@Chrisssy2112]

Very interesting space Noah! Thank you and your friend for sharing. 😊👍

[@rantingcommuter2258]

WHat a great idea to repurpose this building! Very cool and different explore. I'd love to see the finished product

[@michellepoutre7913]

This is so interesting! I love the concept and the look of it. Thank you for sharing this! And thank you to your friend for letting us have a looksee inside.

[@sherihorton13]

Yes, please show us when the studio is completed. It's so awesome to see someone growing their dreams.❤

[@jennifergrime2033]

Those cubes are really cool I’ve never seen anything like that. Love the videos!!

[@lindaj1957]

This building is the most unique thing that I have ever seen. I'd love to see the studio when its done.

[@karrie1377]

This place was really really cool. It’s a shame that the building is showing wear and tear but I’m glad your friend is making something out of it and I wish him the best of luck. I’ve seen homes made of shipping containers but never anything like this. It’s neat in the city setting but I could imagine this on a larger plot of land with creative landscaping softening the angled structure. Really interesting video. Thanks Noah for sharing. Never realized Toronto was such a large city.

[@patternmotherlode9250]

Over 8 million ppl in Toronto

[@frankintx699]

Hi Noah, GTSY 👋 How cool is that . I would definitely like to see a follow-up video of Alex's cube project.❤ On another note I at 70 have started a channel, and am learning the ropes of being a creator.

[@birgip.m.1236]

Amazing!! Congrats!! How's it going?

[@frankintx699]

@@birgip.m.1236Rreal good.

[@SammyW.C.]

So what's your channel focused on?

[@frankintx699]

@@SammyW.C. "Let me offer you a glimpse into my life in a small town, as well as the rural lifestyle of the surrounding areas."

[@mimzyc9949]

What a unique place. Glad you took us with you. Would love to see how it turns out.

[@clairefunnell8481]

Wild. So weird. Do like the views of the city. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@cathywithac]

Fascinating. I've always wondered about 3 Cube building. Thanks for the tour. Alex, I hope that the music studio is successful.

[@doloresgonzalez6988]

I love the cube pretty neat. Differently do an update.I bet it will look nice.

[@daviddonnelly1118]

That's the coolest building!!

[@kitty4tify]

It’s such a landmark. Thanks Noah. I finally get to see the inside of this cool building after many years. Super sick. Thank you Alex. Yes please more vids of the studio.

[@dougsomers7808]

I know this building and I'm a roofer,to say "you can't do flat roofs in Canada because of snow" hello every building in Toronto has flat roofs

[@tedlivermore6955]

Yeah,I was thinking the same thing when he said that😂

[@dougsomers7808]

@@tedlivermore6955 I've also thought if I could I would buy it and fix it, amazing location yet because of the roads it's some what secluded, fence it in and plant some shit with a pond awesome

[@tedlivermore6955]

@@dougsomers7808 Yeah,cant imagine what that would cost down there.I live 2 hours at least north of there and it's still outrageous.

[@CookerCeiling38]

There's literally flat roofs in the thumbnail... even as far north as Yellowknife there's flat roofs. I'm typing this under a flat roof in Alberta...

[@nater51]

As a roofer, you are aware that flat roofs aren't 100% flat right? Or at least they should not be by inspection code. Even what is classified as a "flat roof" is supposed to have a 1/4" slope for every foot. Otherwise a perfectly flat roof on a home or building would work as a bowl collecting and holding onto water. Even our city streets have slopes that direct water to sewer drains. I believe that is what @Noah.Nowhere was addressing, he just worded it wrong. But I could be wrong in assuming that's what he meant.

[@RemiKJV1611]

WOW! How cool is that. I remember I used to take the Queen streetcar and get off by there, walk right past the cube buildings a few times a week in the 90's to Cherry Beach Sound to rehearse at the studio's, down past the bridge. Never thought I'd ever see inside! Thanks, man!! Made my day and brought back some great mems.😃

[@LisaBarnes-y3f]

What an interesting place,thanks for showing us Noah, I’d love to know what happens to this building 😊👍🏻

[@stacyjohnson42]

Wow that's wild i think what Alex is doing is a great idea i would love to see the finished product and did he make that theme sound for you

[@yssubed2]

very cool. Have driven past the cubes countless times so it was great seeing inside. Would be great to see what Alex does with it. It's too bad they are being demolished. I can imagine a creative type using that great height to advantage.

[@colettesantoro8797]

Affordable housing? There are plenty of ideas and builds that are alternatives to this mess. Also, I’m confused. Would these be built in threes and on that precarious base!?

[@tedlivermore6955]

Yeah the whole video was kinda convoluted.Affordable housing/lookin for somebody to take it away for free/gonna fix it up for a recording studio? I don't know, strange.

[@Fastcarsdriveslow]

Thanks so much for this video, I always wanted to see inside of that building. That's awesome. I didn't think it was being used. Very trendy & artistic people would love to live inside that place!

[@mollyv8b705]

I love it! It's unique. I hope your buddy makes some amazing changes for the better. Good for them! I love it! I really hope the water damage can be fixed. Don't get discouraged gentlemen. You can make this work!

[@jennymess99]

Definitely go back please 😊

[@ethancarson2011]

Thank you!!! I've always wondered about these building they are so interested. Appreciate the video

[@jooei2810]

Don’t know why I got this on my feed but I appreciate! Subbed, you seem like a chill dude.

[@JenniferLinton]

Cool! I used to live just north of this cube on Queen & Sumach. Was always curious what it looked like on the inside. Thanks for the virtual tour.

[@sandrahunter5749]

Hi Noah from West Virginia USA 🇺🇲👋 I like watching your videos 👍😎 cube houses 🤔 they look unique and cool

[@Jennifermcintyre]

What a wacky place! I’ve been in one of those octagon houses and it’s a decoration nightmare. Can’t hang pictures on concave walls… I think it’s perfect for these guys though!

[@thrasherpanda]

For a broken home, WHAT AN AMAZING STUDIO SPACE! If they keep this building and what a property this is!

[@CarsaBundren-bi1jq]

Love it amazed by tiny houses as well. U do good explores anywhere u go keep i keeping on!!!

[@DAMIENSAQUAWORLD]

It was my understanding that the idea behind the cubes was not only a proposal for alternative housing, it was primarily tasked with creating more livable space whilst using the least amount of ground space. Which when you think about it, it has actually succeeded. It's one cube base ( probably around 500 sq ft of land ) that holds 3 cubes ( each was aprox. 1000 sq. ft, I would guess ) arched on their tips.

[@trollking99]

I've seen several low-rise office buildings around Ontario that use this concept, they basically look like square mushrooms. I believe they were built in the 60s.

[@mollyv8b705]

Thank you Noah for sharing this video. I wasn't aware of these cubes in Toronto. I have spent a lot of time in music studios. 30 years ago I paid $55 an hour and that was in a small town in Ontario. I would love to see your renovation progress please😊

[@Eiraart]

For years passed this on the way to rehearsal and work - thought for years it was just an art project - good to know someone’s putting it to use

[@RezaEvol]

Wow I've driven by these so many times and always wondered what the heck the inside looked like. This was the best randomly recommended video.

[@whatifschrodingersboxwasacofin]

Cool to see my old condo/hood again! Always wanted to see what the cubes look like inside! ❤

[@janinafisher101]

So many of us did!

[@JohnShinn6078]

No way José! I'd fall out a window in an inebriated moment and go splat! 😲👍 THE END

[@ADP72]

I'd hesitate to leave my music gear in a place that leaky...hopefully they succeed with the studio idea v cool

[@yeltsin6817]

So cool. I’ve seen those for years and was very curious to see the inside. Thank you!!!

[@lilystonne4108]

I used to work at the corner of Front and Parliament. My colleagues and I used to walk around the area for exercise and sometimes comment about the cube buildings. I would imagine that the interior would have a futuristic look. I am disappointed that they have not been maintained better. Thank you for the tour.

[@bluejayfan5584]

I never gave it a second look all these years never even thought about it. My first thought though is accessiblity. And I was pumped for the video.

[@TommyAlanRaines]

They have nice lighting.

[@JohnShinn6078]

😆

[@TommyAlanRaines]

@@JohnShinn6078 😜🤣

[@birgip.m.1236]

But doesn't look like there are any windows to open & let in airflow?

[@JohnShinn6078]

So cool! A decaying freak show in a rough neighborhood that one can rent! I bet there's a waiting list! Thanks for the tour guys! 🤠👍 🤔 How much for rent? 🤔

[@thestars386]

.25 cents a month. And even that's too much.

[@TommyAlanRaines]

The old crappy Rowe houses across the street are probably in better shape 😂

[@trinachalue6254]

How cool 😎 I enjoyed that 😊

[@trinachalue6254]

@thewestcoastwizard1 💜✨️💫

[@chrismavity8869]

Very cool to see inside this building after living in the area and passing by this place hundreds of times.

[@vap57]

I always wondered what these were like inside. They are quite cool...I would cetainly consider living in one if I had the chance!

[@AmelieZh]

how do i even drive to that place? its off Eastern ave right?

[@Rose-inspirations]

I was in Amsterdam and I saw the Cube houses it was just amazing to look at.

[@katje2154]

The cube houses are in Rotterdam, not Amsterdam.

[@ONLYinANTARCTICA]

So cool. I was always curious to see the inside of the building would look like. That is too bad the city wants to demolish it. I think it is a fantastic iconic building.

[@SudburyMan]

A huge eye sore??? Naww, try Sudbury 4 hours North... They painted our old hospital on Paris Street a rainbow acid trip with butterflies. Pretty sure we win that award 🤣

[@swedishhousemfia]

I just looked it up. What the heck. They should have destroyed it instead of wasting paint.

[@SudburyMan]

@@swedishhousemfia rumour has it... They will be tearing it down

[@SudburyMan]

@@mamajuana3603 science north just old lol.. smoke stack coming down but that hospital.. what the hell 😂😂

[@tedlivermore6955]

Roof probably doesn't leak though

[@SammyW.C.]

WOOOAHHHH!! That sounds super stellar man! Like totally gnarly to the core bro! Wicked flex I dig it dude, I'm a visit soonest weekend I've got extra cashola🤙🤙

[@BIGGER_RED]

This is one of the coolest places I've ever seen!

[@CarolMortensen-e2b]

What makes it look not so aesthetically pleasing is the where it has been placed. This with some very cool landscaping would be kind of cool. Great video. Thanks.

[@kathyprodanovic5087]

Good job noah

[@ariley_]

When he said he can hear the traffic from the phone it took me out 😂

[@ORGANIZEDCoNfUsioN]

Thank you very much, always wanted to see inside. So weird!!!

[@GiGi-lg1dl]

Cool! Thanks, I’ve always wondered what they were like inside! I’ve always loved them

[@monicapushkin3274]

They are NOT an eyesore. A very cool idea, why not. I love the location right beside a ramp !! It must be a little disorienting to live in though.

[@janinafisher101]

Dreadfully noisy!

[@DAMIENSAQUAWORLD]

Yes, they were quite noisy and having cars headlights shining in through the corner skylights was , umm, disco like, lol.. Funny story. I assumed that people couldn't see inside because the skylights were sun bleached , weathered and had a haze on them. Living alone, I would shower and walk around naked getting ready in the morning. One day I was at a friends dinner party and one of the guests said, " so I heard you live in those cubes on Sumach & River" , I replied "yes, I do" . He said "you know, a few times when I've driven by, there's been a guy walking around his place stark naked. I don't think he realizes that he's giving a drive by show to anyone on that Richmond exit ramp". Since there were only 2 out of the 3 that were residences, I hesitated and then replied, " ummm, yeah, so that would probably be me, hehe..." Everyone had a good laugh about it. To make the whole experience even more cringy, he said "by the way nice top shelf". Gulp, " Umm , thank you? I think ?"

[@EvelynSaungikar]

I live nearby and have been curious about it, thanks for showing us around!

[@taratopia6475]

OMG! I have always wanted to see the inside of this place. I may have to rent it out for my daughter to do some photography with her friends. They are all Art Students.

[@user-iamRobinV68]

Wow this is strange looking. Interesting. Great explore Noah! 😊😊😊

[@jeanniescott3308]

Wow so neat

[@vadimkozlov3008]

Can't build Flat roof in canada? What about all of the commercial builds and sky scrapers?

[@trollking99]

That's what I thought too LOL. I guess he meant it's not a good idea, since it's true they're prone to leaking.

[@shazma]

I love what he’s doing with the place! I think it works best as a creative space

[@Emily-r1n]

This video is cool, it also makes me wonder about can value be calculated for structures that can be seen by drivers coming in and add to the excitement or creating the perception of an area

[@thedriver02]

Oh Wow interesting I always thought it had some kind of Telecommunications stuff inside. I think I remember seeing the ctv truck outside, probably why I made that connection.

[@mandyling83]

Thanks for showing😊

[@stevenbrucci]

Thanks for the great tour!

[@NoahNowhere]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kimthomas829]

Would love to see this unique place finished. ❤

[@linglongpagota6195]

i seen that green one when id go to visit my grandma. i wasnt sure what it was. cool.

[@kerozin520]

Such an inspiring building

[@karensinden6149]

I think tiny homes would be perfect for that area

[@tedlivermore6955]

Are you gonna build them?

[@brendasilver604]

I would love to see the completed project!

[@jasongodify]

I drive by this thing everyday.. off the highway.. always wondered if it was empty or not

[@glengarbera7367]

Always wandered what these were all about.

[@ernstzundel736]

Thank you, I always wanted to see this place. Too bad about the water leaks & the possibility of a looming demolition. Due to the unusual shape & a poor location I'm afraid it's very impractical for most people. I hope Alex & his friends will be alright.

[@alandsofairandbright]

Wow been living in Toronto and seeing this thing my whole life. crazy to see the inside of it. too bad its so run down. it definitely got neglected and never went through reno's . its in very rough shape

[@AnneKeller1541]

Love❤ yes go back when finished!

[@Wesley_C]

Look at this abandoned building, a masterpiece.

[@uploader95]

Can we get an update on this? The booking page on their website isn't working. How far along is this project?

[@jebes909090]

you can see why this idea never took off. too much wasted space. take a box and waste like 30% of its space. thats the cube.