RIBA East: Rubicon Walking Tour

RIBA Members are invited to join RIBA East for an exclusive guided walking tour of the award-winning Rubicon development in Cambridge, led by Michael Mueller of Alison Brooks Architects.

Recently recognised as a winner at the 2026 RIBA East Awards, Rubicon is an operational net-zero carbon residential development comprising 186 high-density homes, completed in December 2023. Designed by Alison Brooks Architects, the scheme occupies a prominent position on the southern edge of the 150-hectare Eddington urban extension, creating a thoughtful transition between the neighbourhood and the surrounding wetlands.

The development brings together warehouse loft typologies and the traditional collegiate court model to create a distinctive approach to high-density, low-rise living that places cycling, community, and sustainability at its heart. Four interlocking S- and L-shaped buildings, anchored by a courtyard block, provide a mix of homes, with 35% allocated as university housing and 65% for market sale.

Designed to reflect evolving lifestyles and patterns of home working, Rubicon incorporates co-working spaces, sunlit courtyards, bicycle-friendly apartments, and interconnected communal landscapes. Its urban-facing and landscape-oriented courtyards weave together the built environment and natural setting, while the architecture draws inspiration from 19th-century mill buildings traditionally found on the rural edge of cities. Hand-glazed brickwork, curved corners, and an undulating roofline contribute to a timeless character that resonates with Cambridge’s architectural heritage.

This guided tour offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the region’s most innovative residential developments and gain insights into its design, sustainability ambitions, and placemaking principles directly from the project team.

Additional Information:

• This event is open to RIBA Members only.
• Please wear appropriate clothing for the weather and comfortable shoes suitable for walking.
• Parking is limited and will be offered to those arriving first.
• Photo Credit Hufton on Crow.

Terms and Conditions

• By accepting an invitation or purchasing a ticket you have consented to being photographed, filmed or recorded as a visitor attending the event for all general purposes in relation to the event including without limitation, publicity and promotional purposes. You consent to us using your voice, name and/or likeness, without compensation, for exploitation in promotional and publicity materials, online, books, newspapers, newsletters, magazine articles and social marketing whenever we choose to do so, in perpetuity
• This venue is accessible and open to all

• Cancellations must be made in writing to [email protected]. No refunds can be made for cancellations notified within 30 days of the event. To transfer your ticket/s to another individual/s, please contact [email protected].

• Tickets to be transferred at least 14 days prior to the event. Complimentary tickets are strictly non-transferable.

• If the RIBA has to postpone or cancel the event the booker is entitled to a full refund of the ticket price only.

• On entry to the event you agree to accept and abide by any venue rules.

• The RIBA reserves the right to refuse admission to any ticket holder.

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