Photo: Beattie Film

Launched in 2021, Canadian startup CABN creates sustainable, net-zero homes that start at just $186,100 for a one-bedroom unit. These energy-efficient smart homes were created based on the belief that beauty and technology can coexist. Founder Jackson Wyatt, who was previously the head of design for a global sustainable products company, dreamed up the company while stuck indoors during the pandemic. The concept is already proving popular, with a waitlist of 600 interested buyers and plans for a 67-home off-grid community in Ontario.

CABN offers four modular home models that can be assembled in days and finished in a few weeks, using a fraction of the energy required when building a traditional home. The design takes into consideration today's housing shortages, which are becoming all the more common due to rising costs, a lack of skilled labor, and supply chain issues. Wyatt is hopeful that CABN will demonstrate how prefabricated building strategies can help mitigate the situation, while also remaining sustainable.

The various CABN models are spread across two floors, feature wood floors and partitions, and expansive decks to enjoy the outdoors. While all the models have an on-grid option to hook into city utilities, they can also be totally off-grid. For instance, all the models include an integrated solar panel roof that feeds into CABN batteries. This greatly expands living options for homeowners.

Using radiant floor heating and high-tech mechanical systems, the smart home will always remain at the ideal temperature. CABN offers a one-bedroom model, MOR.II, as small as 540 square feet. The most spacious of CABN's offerings, GES.TALT, is an 1850-square-foot four-bedroom and three-bathroom home. By offering a range of solutions, CABN opens itself up to a number of clients—from singles and couples to larger families.

Thanks to its combination of functionality, sustainability, and contemporary aesthetics, CABN is looking to make waves in the housing market and prove that, by thinking outside the box, we can improve how we live.

Canadian startup CABN creates sustainable, net-zero homes using prefabricated construction.

They have four models available, ranging from the one-bedroom MOR.II to the spacious four-bedroom GES.TALT.

MOR.II

GES.TALT

All of the smart homes are capable of being off-grid, which opens up new housing possibilities.

CABN recently announced that it will build a 67-unit off-grid community in Ontario.

Photo: Beattie Film

Photo: Beattie Film

It's the company's hope that its innovative, sustainable housing will provide a path forward in the face of housing shortages.

Photo: Beattie Film

Photo: Beattie Film

CABN: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by CABN.

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READ: Net-Zero Modular Homes Combine Sustainability, Technology, and Elegant Design

Photo: Kohei Omachi

For book lovers, few things can beat a quiet reading nook surrounded by nature. Paying tribute to this noble pastime, Hiroshi Nakamura and NAP Architects have designed Library in the Earth, an “underground library” at Kurkku Fields in Kisarazu City, Japan. This elegant design seamlessly blends in with the surrounding greenery, creating a relaxing yet immersive space for anyone who wants to study, get lost in a book, or craves a peaceful atmosphere.

The team's clever design makes the most out of the landscape. The library is burrowed under the sweeping grass mounds, working almost as a book-filled hideout. The radial skylight and the large windows that line the building allow natural light to flood the library—creating the perfect reading conditions. By avoiding the use beams and columns, books and their shelves provide the structure for the building, and the wooden finishes of the decoration create a warm environment to get lost in.

The Library in the Earth also functions as a restoration project from what was once a dry land covered in construction debris. “We aimed to restore the lush valley that leads to the pond that farmers called Mother Pond, and believed that the architecture should not occupy the cultivated soil layer, but rather exist humbly under the flourishing of plants and microorganisms in the soil,” the team writes in a press release. The unique design also gives them the chance to balance irrigation and water retention according to the season, which helps give the area its damp and fresh look.

In line with its organic appearance, the Library in the Earth is home to a large selection of nature-oriented titles. Among the 3,000 books on the shelves, guests can find poetry, art, philosophy, history, and science, as well as children's books. The latter are located in small rooms, the dimensions of which were determined by the hill's slant. In doing so, the designers gave young readers a cozy area suited to their size.

Tying the whole design together is the “storytelling hall,” located at the center of the building. Its shelf-lined walls and little nooks invite readers to be a part of a community moment while granting them the quiet retreat needed to fully take in a story. The designers write, “It is a library that thinks of the Earth while being embraced in the wisdom of the Earth and human beings.”

Hiroshi Nakamura and NAP Architects have designed Library in the Earth, an “underground library” at Kurkku Fields in Kisarazu City, Japan.

Photo: Kohei Omachi

This elegant design blends seamlessly with the surrounding greenery, creating a relaxing yet immersive space for anyone who wants to study, get lost in a book, or craves a peaceful atmosphere.

Photo: Yuka Yanazume

While burrowed, the radial skylight and the large windows that line the building allow natural light to flood the library—creating the perfect reading conditions.

Photo: Yuka Yanazume

The designers write, “It is a library that thinks of the Earth while being embraced in the wisdom of the Earth and human beings.”

Photo: Yuka Yanazume

Hiroshi Nakamura and NAP Architects: Website

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Hiroshi Nakamura and NAP Architects.

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READ: “Underground Library” Seamlessly Blends With Fields of Lush Japanese Landscape

Chengdu, China, is an important hub for the science fiction community, having launched the careers of many important Chinese authors over the past 50 years. To honor this heritage, the city commissioned Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) to design the new Chengdu Science Fiction Museum. The futuristic building is situated in the core area of Jingrong Lake within the Science & Innovation New City of Chengdu’s Pidu District and appears to float on water.

The fluid forms of the roof radiate out from a central point, emulating an expanding nebula cloud with a star at its center. Using defined pedestrian routes, guests are invited to visit different activity zones on a journey of discovery that weaves between indoor and outdoor plazas.

The interior was created with the goal of hosting the widest array of events possible. Its 59,000 square meters of space includes exhibition galleries, a multi-function hall, a conference center, and supporting ancillary spaces. Since opening, it's already attracting major events, including the World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) and Hugo Awards, both of which had never taken place in China before.

In keeping with ZHA's design philosophy, the museum is integrated into the natural landscape and meets China’s Green Building Program's highest 3-star standards. The museum’s natural hybrid ventilation optimizes Chengdu’s mild subtropical climate to provide comfort for visitors and staff throughout the year, while photovoltaics within the museum’s large roof canopy contribute to meeting the building’s energy demands.

The park surrounding the museum is landscaped with plants native to the region, which collect and store rainwater for natural filtration and reuse. This enables Jingrong Lake to become an integral part of Chengdu’s sustainable drainage system that will mitigate flooding and increase biodiversity throughout the city.

In the short time it has been open, the Chengdu Science Fiction Museum is already fulfilling its role as a center of innovation and inspiration that connects the past, present, and future.

Zaha Hadid Architects has designed the new Chengdu Science Fiction Museum in China.

The museum honors the city's role as a hub for the science fiction community.

The fluid form of the roof resembles a nebula cloud with a star at its center.

The 59,000 square meter space has a flexible interior that allows the museum to host a wide variety of events.

The museum is already fulfilling its role as a center of innovation and inspiration that connects the past, present, and future.

Zaha Hadid Architects: Website | Instagram | X | Facebook | LinkedIn

All photos via Arch Exist. My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by ZHA.

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READ: Zaha Hadid Architects Designs Futuristic Science Fiction Museum in China That “Floats” on Water

Seoul will be home to a new innovative residential tower designed by New York-based ODA. The highly aesthetic design takes into consideration the artistic sensibilities of Seoul's citizens; and for this, it won the competition to create the mixed-use skyscraper. Terrarium Cheong-dam features a two-story public podium that supports a 45-floor tower. In the middle, a semi-private terrarium and sky garden bring a touch of greenery to the skies.

This is the first time that the city of Seoul has encouraged private-sector architecture to create public space in exchange for the possibility of building higher structures. ODA took full advantage of the incentive, and for them, it was important that the podium be open, inviting, and accessible in order to foster a strong sense of community. The podium will feature a public park with lush landscaping, a water feature, sculpture gardens, and an indoor gallery space.

“Seoul is another global city that’s realized the importance of expanding its public realm to create a more meaningful urban environment,” says Eran Chen, founder of ODA. “For the tower’s podium, we want to bring the community a space that serves as both a respite from the streetscape and an accessible connection point to the city’s most desirable commercial and residential districts.”

The innovative terrarium, which was inspired by classical loggias, gives residents and office workers a way to engage with each other while enjoying nature at the same time. Sandwiched between the lower floors, which provide office space, and the upper residential levels, the terrarium will become a place for everyone to come together. And, by its very nature, the feature adds an attractive sculptural look to the tower.

While there's no word on when the 656-foot-tall skyscraper will be complete, it's sure to change the South Korean capital's urban fabric.

ODA won a design competition to create Seoul's new skyscraper, Terrarium Cheong-dam.

Photo: Secchi Smith

Photo: Secchi Smith

The 45-floor mixed-use tower stands upon a two-story podium that will be open to the public.

Photo: Secchi Smith

Greenery is essential to the project, with a public park on the podium and an open terrarium in the middle of the skyscraper.

ODA Architecture: Website | Instagram | YouTube

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by ODA Architecture.

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READ: Architects Place Innovative Open Garden in Center of Seoul Skyscraper

Japan is known for its tight living quarters, but thanks to IGArchitects one couple in Tokyo is enjoying a light, airy, functional home for living and working. IGArchitects creatively used the space, which lacked any real separation walls, to give them a flexible layout that could meet their needs, including privacy when necessary.

The couple was happy to have a home where they were able to work anywhere and where the presence of their respective partner could be felt. This meant that the firm did not have to cater its design to small, closed spaces. Instead, they used the floor, staircases, and the building's walls to define the environment. The architects also took care to create interaction between the indoor and outdoor space, allowing the owners to choose to engage with the outside world whenever, and however, they'd like.

Though natural light only comes through one side of the home, floor-to-ceiling glass windows across three levels allow sunlight to stream into the interior. Each window panel fully opens, allowing easy access to the environment. Even though the home isn't big enough for a balcony, the interior can seem like a garden or balcony when needed with the ingenious design choice.

While almost no place in the home has a dedicated use, except for the smaller kitchen and bathroom that are situated toward the rear of the home, the entire space revolves around the relationship between the misaligned floors. On its own, each floor is quite small, but when used together, they can transform into seats, tables, shelves, or a ceiling.

By offsetting the walls and playing with the floor heights, IGArchitects has created an openness that makes the home appear much larger than its 645-square-foot (60 square meters) footprint. The large room at the front of the home acts as a space for work and relaxation, giving the homeowners a sense of spaciousness right in the city.

For the materials, the architects primarily used reinforced concrete for a modern, minimalist look. This meant that every detail had to be planned perfectly, as once poured, there was no going back. By also incorporating wood, they brought warmth to the space that compliments the concrete. The home is an inspiring use of space that once again proves that smart design can make the most of even the smallest environments.

IGArchitects transformed a small space in Tokyo into a modern, minimalist open space home for a couple.

Using flooring placed a different heights, they separated the space effectively while allowing flexibility in the floor plan.

Large glass windows allow the homeowners to engage with the city, whenever and however they'd like.

Thanks to the clever design, the couple can easily work and live in the space.

The use of reinforced concrete and wood creates a sleek, modern feel that still has warmth.

IGArchitects: Website | Instagram

All images via Jingu Ooki. My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by IGArchitects.

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READ: Brilliant Design Transforms Small Tokyo Apartment Into Spacious Inviting Home

China is known for its futuristic bookstores and, thanks to Li Xiang of the design firm X+Living, a busy marketplace in the country's Jiangsu province has a new contemporary place to purchase books. Huai’an Zhongshuge's interior is brought to life by enormous three-dimensional structures that recall astronomical instruments.

Rising up, these celestial rings are true centerpieces of the store. The intertwined rings take over the space and are filled with images of books, which appear to defy gravity as they spiral toward the ceiling. “Miniaturized individuals wander within the instruments, tons of scattered books containing infinite worlds, glimpsing the mysteries of the cosmos,” writes the designer. “From antiquity to the present, humanity's exploration of outer space has never ceased—from the armillary sphere to space rockets, from stargazing to traversing the void, with books witnessing it all.”

Made from traditional wood materials, the gargantuan structures provide contrast to the large glass windows that give a view to the bustling city outside. Mirrored ceilings extend the environment, allowing visitors to truly immerse themselves and feel as though they are traveling through infinite space.

The space concept extends into the children's area, where colorful inset bookshelves in the forms of rockets, astronauts, and planets allow the imaginations of young readers to run wild. This inclusive design invites readers of all ages into the fantasy that X+Living has created.

“The architectural space is like an extension of dreamlike reality, a spiritual revelation suspended in midair over the city—amidst the vast and boundless interstellar, individual vexations are as minute as specks of dust. Perhaps, within books, one can truly enter the pure inner cosmic universe.”

Design firm X+Living has created a futuristic bookstore in China's Jiangsu province.

Huai’an Zhongshuge's interior is brought to life by enormous three-dimensional structures that recall astronomical instruments.

Images of books along the structure appear to defy gravity with an aim to transport readers to outer space.

The goal also extends to young readers, who have a colorful and playful area of their own.

The wood materials contrast with the glass windows that create a dialogue between the fantastical interior and the bustling outside city.

X+Living: Website 

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by X+Living.

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READ: Futuristic Bookstore in China Inspired by the Celestial World

The creative minds at Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) have revealed their newest design, located in the city of Prague. The Masaryčka building is a new, contemporary addition to the Czech capital that integrates with the modernization of the historic Masaryk Railway Station. Rising up like a bronzed razor blade, Masaryčka provides access to new civic spaces in the capital city.

With over 300,000 square feet of office and retail space spread across seven levels on its eastern section and nine levels on its western end, Masaryčka was designed to meet modern working patterns. At the same time, it gives life to a construction site that had been abandoned for several decades. ZHA has revitalized the area through its construction and has also given back public space by replacing a public car park with a square that welcomes travelers to the city and provides an interchange between the railway, trams, and city buses.

ZHA's design was inspired by Prague's historic Old Town, which is known as the “Golden City of 100 Spires.” Masaryčka's golden fin is a contemporary nod to this heritage, while at the same time providing practical solar shading. In keeping with their ethos to work sustainably, ZHA targeted LEED platinum certification with a double-insulated façade and cascading terraces that divide the eastern and western sections of the building.

Communal roof gardens provide panoramic views of the city and are filled with local species of plants, shrubs, and trees irrigated by Masaryčka’s rainwater collection system. Low-flow systems and graywater recycling will further reduce the center’s water consumption. Furthermore, the architects prioritized local suppliers and materials with a high recycled content to meet the 2025 targets for embodied & operational carbon established by the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge.

When Czech Railways’ renovation of Masaryk Railway Station is completed in 2026, there will be a new public square over the tracks that will give access to train platforms and the subway. This will bring the station's modernization to completion and make it a fully accessible transport hub, even while it retains its historic flavor.

Construction has been completed on Zaha Hadid Architect's Masaryčka in Prague.

Divided into eastern and western sections, the modern building is part of a larger project to modernize one of the city's railway stations.

The bronze fins on the façade are a nod to the many spires that dot Prague's historic Old Town.

Masaryčka is filled with office and retail space and has rooftop gardens that provide panoramic views of the city.

Masaryčka is playing a key role in revitalizing an area that had gone unused for decades.

Zaha Hadid Architects: Website | Instagram | X | Facebook | LinkedIn

Photos by BoysPlayNice. My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by ZHA.

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This post is sponsored by Yardzen. Our partners are handpicked by My Modern Met’s team because they represent the best in design and innovation.

Your yard is its own canvas for landscape design. It’s an exciting prospect; you can create a space that is wholly you and where you’ll undoubtedly make countless memories. Figuring out its design is something you could do yourself, but it's often better to leave it to the experts to plan and execute your vision. That’s where Yardzen comes in. The company is yard design that meets technology with a mission to help you live better outdoors.

Yardzen will create your dream yard online. Utilizing digital tools as well as photos and videos from you, the designers, horticulturists, and hardscapers will create a concept for your space with digital renderings and plans that can be completed by a vetted local contractor. The on-site contractor will review your plans and revise them based on your project budget.

My Modern Met worked with Yardzen to design and construct the front and backyard landscaping of a newly built home. Read on to learn more about how Yardzen works and our experience with the service.

What is Yardzen?

Yardzen is an online landscape company that is at the intersection of technology and yard design. Using photographs and videos of your property as well as plant science, data science, and its style quiz, the designers and horticulturists create a custom concept for you—no matter where you are in the world.

Once your design is complete, Yardzen will match you with a vetted local contractor to work on-site and bring your project to life.

How does Yardzen work?

It takes between six and seven weeks to complete the Yardzen design process, at which point you will connect with a local contractor to execute the plan.

First, you’ll share your vision with your designer and start with Yardzen’s Yard Builder tool. It will have you share everything that the company needs to know about your project, from style preferences to site conditions to how you want to use your outdoor space.

Once the Yardzen team has all they need from you, the experts create a model of your property and make an initial design. You’ll review and share your feedback and receive an updated design and drafting plan. At that point, you will be matched with a local professional.

Yardzen has seven different price packages depending on your needs. The packages range from Botanical, which is custom planting for your entire property, to Yardzen Premium, which includes custom planting as well as hardscaping and exterior design. The premium package also boasts a more hands-on process with extra revisions and is reviewed by the company’s most senior designers.

Even if you're interested in designing just the front or the back of your yard, or you're looking for some extra curb appeal, Yardzen has something for you.

Our Experience With Yardzen

Starting the process with Yardzen is a breeze. They ask a lot of questions about your preferences and what you’re looking for in your landscaping project. There are two parts of Yardzen's process — the design and the build.

Designing the Project

A pro tip would be to review their past designs and see which elements resonate with you. Select a few key items that you like and provide visual examples to help set the tone and provide very specific feedback for their designers.

What was really amazing is that we never spoke with a designer on the phone throughout this entire process. Everything was done through their questionnaire forms and emails. However, if you feel like a phone call is necessary, they provide phone calls at an extra charge.

Building the Project

Working with the build team was great as well. It was really important to find a contractor that we could trust because we wanted our design to be built well and also be fully complete. By picking the best contractor, we felt like we had the best chance of succeeding.

Initially, the build team made a few suggestions that we didn’t feel was the right fit. This led us to do more research on our own. But then, the build team suggested who they believed was the best of the bunch — MG Construction Group — “a family owned and operated Backyard Beautification company, led by Michael and Melissa Gabso.”

Once we met with Michael, he elevated the initial Yardzen design to an even higher level. Not only did we get to work with an excellent contractor, but also an additional designer. During Michael’s visit, we asked if he had any suggestions that could improve our initial Yardzen design. Among other things, MG Construction specializes in making fireplaces and built-in barbecues. So instead of the round fire pit that we initially wanted, we opted to go with a tall, rectangular fireplace. He also suggested placing large pavers in the backyard instead of tile and we were very happy with the result.

Final Results

With any large project like this, you should expect that there are going to be some challenges. However, working with Yardzen and MG Construction, we were able to work through our challenges and were satisfied with the final outcome. Our recommendation is to be involved as much as necessary and make sure all details are accounted for. Try to catch issues as soon as possible, before it's too late to make changes. And be sure to closely review the terms of the contract before you sign. Have a thorough understanding of the exact deliverables, along with any penalties for breaking the terms of the contract.

Yardzen Design

We liked how the built-in barbecue and vent hood were covered, with easy access to the kitchen.

Initially, we wanted to redesign the driveway and widen the front door steps.

We also originally wanted a round fire pit on top of gravel.

Yardzen Build

After consulting with MG Construction, we decided to save on the budget by sticking with the original concrete driveway and adding tile to the existing steps.

The planters with fruitless olive trees that Yardzen suggested are a key focal point in the backyard.

The fireplace is centered from the couch in the living room. We are big fans of symmetry and the large concrete pavers.

The built-in barbecue is really useful and turned out great.

The right side of the backyard continues with large concrete pavers. Silver Sheen shrubs surround the backyard.

The left side of the backyard is concrete, making it easier to accommodate trash and recycle bins.

The plants in the front yard create a flowing effect as they move with the wind.

Olive trees frame the garage.

Low voltage LED lights make the landscaping glow beautifully at night.

With the project complete, we can confidently say that we highly recommend working with Yardzen on landscaping design.

Take the time to pick a contractor who you believe will do a good job, and make sure to be involved as much as needed.

Be decisive and make correct decisions to avoid costly mistakes or delays. Every detail matters!

Yardzen: Website | Instagram | Facebook

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Yardzen.

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This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Looking for the perfect gift for the architect in your life? Or maybe you just know an architecture enthusiast, whether it's someone who is passionate about Frank Lloyd Wright‘s designs or the aesthetic of Minimalist architecture. Either way, there are a wide variety of thoughtful gifts for professional architects, aspiring designers, and beyond. We've put together a collection with a type of gift for everyone who loves architecture.

From home decor to architectural jewelry and books, there are tons of creative products inspired by someone's passion for good design. Architectural models, personalized coffee mugs, and items honoring famous buildings are all great gift ideas for Christmas, a birthday, or a graduation. A good set of mechanical pencils and measuring rulers also make a practical addition to any architect's desk.

Whatever you have in mind, you'll surely find it in our guide to the best architecture gifts across the internet. No matter what the style—contemporary or classic—and whether for men or women, these creative products are the perfect match for any architecture lover.

Looking for the perfect architecture gift? Here are some creative products that will help you find something special to bring out anyone's inner architect.

The “Section Mark” Cufflinks

ThePinPrick | $26.49

Brutalist House Building Kit

Beamalevich | $50.05

Rapidograph Drafting Pen Set

KOH-I-NOOR | $113.77

Build Your Own Chicago Architectural Paper Model Postcards

Wurlington Press | $42

Architectural Digest at 100: A Century of Style

Architectural Digest at 100 | $116.25

Architect Scale Ruler Set

Leinuosen | $14.99

Amsterdam House Studs

gemagenta | $73.76

Charles Eames Color Rocking Chair T-Shirt

WXSTUDIO | $32

Mechanical Pencil Gift Set to Sketch

Pentel | $55

Mini Cinder Block Set

Acacia Grove | $14.79

Architect Definition Print

OneOfAKindWallArt1 | $13.24+

Silver Protractor Earrings

BestFriendsJewelry1 | $10.04

Archidoodle: The Architect's Activity Book

Steve Bowkett | $21.38

Minimal Curves Canvas Tote Bag

Leandro Pita | $24.75+

Frank Lloyd Wright Paper Models

Marc Hagan-Guirey | $27.89

The Architect's Alphabet Print

Prints by SG | $21.21+

Famous Architects Socks

Dodo Socks Shop | $33

Personalized Architecture Coffee Mug

Genius Lean Ideas | $25.90+

Architecture Playing Cards

aContrapelo | $20.43

Architecture Pencils (Set of 5)

BettieConfetti | $13.19+

Perspective Grid Sketchpad

KOALA TOOLS | $12.97

Personalized House Painting

BellhouseGifts | $39.99+

Golden Gate Bridge Bookends

DesignAtelierArticle | $69

MoMA La Maison Bowl

MockTurtleBeaumaris | $20

Guggenheim Museum Double-Sided 500-Piece Puzzle

Galison | $12.50

Frank Lloyd Wright Tea Towel

KAF Home Store | $17.49

Architecture Ring

OringoWorld | $95

Concrete Bookends 

PortLivingCoConcrete | $58

Brutalist Print and Pin Set

SallyBradforth | $5.30

Geometric Concrete Planters

MyGift | $22.99

Archist City Print

Federico Babina | $21.75+

Detroit Architecture Blueprint Linen Weave Scarf

Cyberoptix | $45.75+

Gray Concrete House Model

Materiallmmaterial | $64.60

Building Brick Waffle Maker

Uncommon Goods | $50

NYC Skyline Chess Set

Ian Flood and Chris Prosser | $128

Minimalist Concrete Necklace

BaaraJewelry | $109.60+

Whimsical Concrete Houses

CraftApostle | $27

Office Desk Lamp With Wireless Charging Pad and USB Port

Brightech | $57.99

Cubebot Natural Wood

David Weeks | $18

Gothic Cathedral Mug

Ashlar Mugs | $32.99

Architecture Sketchbook

Magma | $14.99

Origami Building Blocks

Uncommon Goods | $64.99+

Building Bookmarks

Gilbert13Design | $5.04

Brutalist Architecture Print

Masefaceprints | $10.59+

Gold Art Deco Earrings

SimplySerasi | $139

Shanghai LEGO Architecture Set

LEGO | $133.99

Modern Wood Bud Vase

Flyte | $299

This article has been edited and updated.

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Photo: © DBOX for The London Tunnels

In the 1940s, a mile-long series of tunnels called the Kingsway Exchange Tunnels were constructed underneath Central London. Encompassing an area of 8,000 square miles and stretching 7.6 meters in diameter, these subterranean pathways were designed to protect Londoners during the WWII Blitz. Afterward, the Kingsway Exchange Tunnels continued to serve different secret purposes, including as a base for the Special Operations Executive—an offshoot of MI6, and the inspiration for the “Q Branch” in Ian Fleming's James Bond novels—and housing the secret “hot line” between Moscow and Washington during the Cold War. Soon, people in London might have a chance to tour this piece of history that has been kept hidden for 70 years.

The London Tunnels is a proposed project that will transform the Kingsway Exchange into a public attraction. This set of secret passageways is going to receive a $268 million renovation led by UK-based architectural firm WilkinsonEyre.

“The proposal will adaptively reuse the tunnels to host a series of experiences exploring their history, nature, science, and the arts,” the official statement says. While the plans of what will be included in the revamped version of the tunnels is not yet set in stone, it is likely that it will include various historical exhibits dedicated to the different functions of the tunnels. Additionally, it is likely that the project will bring back the “deepest licensed bar” in London from the Kingsway Exchange days, which featured fake windows and recreational activities like snooker tables.

The Kingsway Exchange was kept out of the public eye for so long due to the British Government's Official Secrets Act. After the tunnels were expanded during the Cold War, they operated the first Transatlantic telephone cable, TAT1, which helped serve as the secret telephone exchange between Washington and Moscow. While the telecommunication technology became obsolete during the 1980s, most of this equipment will be retained for education purposes and potential historical exhibits in the tunnels. Paul Baker, Director at WilkinsonEyre says: “These secret spaces present the opportunity to tell extraordinary stories that helped shape the 20th century, alongside awe-inspiring digital immersive experiences.”

A potential opening date for the renovated tunnels is 2027. You can follow The London Tunnels on Instagram for updates.

During WWII, a mile-long tunnel known as the Kingsway Exchange was constructed under central London to protect citizens from the Blitz.

Photo: © DBOX for The London Tunnels

This decommissioned tunnel is set to receive a $268 million renovation.

Photo: © DBOX for The London Tunnels

The idea is to transform this part of history into a public attraction, which would include exhibits and a bar.

Photo: © DBOX for The London Tunnels

London Tunnels: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by The London Tunnels.

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READ: London’s Mile-Long Kingsway Exchange Tunnels to Receive $268M Renovation