Fibre optic chambers for historic Clovelly broadband project
STAKKAbox™ JMF | Concrete infill access covers
Project overview
In 2023, Airband worked in partnership with Connecting Devon and Somerset to bring superfast fibre broadband to Clovelly, a historic privately owned village on the Devon coast.
Perched on a cliff-top and home to around 300 residents, Clovelly is renowned for its steep, narrow cobbled streets and distinctive character. The project was designed to give residents and local businesses access to faster, more reliable connectivity, while respecting a sensitive and highly distinctive environment.
To support the underground network installation, Cubis Systems supplied its lightweight modular fibre optic chambers and concrete infill access covers.
The project required infrastructure that could:
- Support the delivery of fibre connectivity in a hard-to-reach rural location;
- Be installed within a challenging construction environment;
- Help reduce handling demands where site access and logistics were constrained; and
- Integrate sensitively within Clovelly’s historic streetscape.
📸 Pictured: Fibre infrastructure installation in the historic village of Clovelly, Devon. Image source: Airband drone footage.
The challenge
Airband described the Clovelly rollout as perhaps its most challenging broadband installation to date. The village’s cliff-top setting, steep narrow streets and cobbled surfaces presented a complex environment for a full-fibre build.
Construction activity also needed to preserve the character of the village. Almost every property in Clovelly is Grade II or Grade II* listed, placing particular importance on careful planning and high-quality reinstatement.
The scale of the undertaking reflected these constraints. Around 12,000 cobbles were lifted and re-laid, while spoil was removed using mechanical buckets — requiring approximately 500 trips up and down the hill and around 700 hours of work.
Key project requirements included:
- Working around steep gradients and limited access
- Minimising the impact of works on narrow, cobbled streets
- Maintaining the visual character of the historic village
- Providing practical underground access points for the fibre network
- Supporting a robust, long-term connectivity solution for residents and businesses
📸 Pictured: Live works underway for the Clovelly fibre build. Image source: Airband drone footage.
The solution
Cubis Systems supplied its lightweight modular fibre optic chambers alongside concrete infill access covers for the project’s underground telecoms infrastructure.
In a location where access, material movement, and installation logistics were inherently difficult, the modular nature of the chamber system provided a practical solution.
The lightweight components could be handled more easily than traditional alternatives, helping the project team manage installation within the constraints of Clovelly’s steep and narrow streets. Our solution supported the project through:
- Lightweight modular construction – enabling a more manageable approach to chamber installation in a difficult-to-access location
- Installation flexibility – allowing the chamber build to be adapted to the requirements of the underground fibre route
- Concrete infill access covers – providing secure network access while helping the finished installation sit appropriately within the surrounding streetscape
- Future network access – creating accessible points for the maintenance and ongoing management of the fibre infrastructure
This Clovelly project demonstrates the value of selecting infrastructure products that are not only fit for purpose, but also practical to install when site conditions are far from straightforward.
📸 Pictured: The Cubis Systems concrete infill cover installed in the cobbled street, complete with customer badging.
The outcome
The project brought superfast broadband to a community that had previously been unable to access a fast and reliable connection. It also demonstrates how full-fibre infrastructure can be delivered in complex, heritage-sensitive locations without losing sight of the environment that makes them unique.
Key outcomes included:
- Improved access to reliable broadband for Clovelly residents and businesses;
- Fibre infrastructure installed in one of the region’s most challenging rural locations;
- Underground network access supported by modular chambers and concrete infill covers;
- A practical installation approach for constrained, steep and narrow streets; and
- Preservation of the village’s historic character as a central consideration throughout the build.
For Cubis Systems, the Clovelly project underlines how lightweight modular chamber systems can help make difficult fibre deployments more manageable.
Where installation access, handling, and reinstatement are critical considerations, the right underground infrastructure solution plays a central role in the successful build.
Planning a full-fibre project in a challenging location?
From busy urban streets to remote rural communities and sensitive heritage settings, Cubis Systems provides underground infrastructure solutions designed to support practical, reliable fibre-network deployment.
Our modular chambers and access cover solutions can help project teams manage installation constraints while providing accessible, long-term protection for vital network infrastructure. Get in touch to discuss your project.
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FAQ
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How does Cubis Systems support telecoms and full fibre infrastructure projects?
Cubis Systems has supported the telecoms sector for decades, working with network operators, designers, and contractors to deliver practical underground infrastructure for fibre roll-outs, network upgrades and new connections.
Our telecoms range includes modular access chambers and covers, ducting and cable protection systems, and chamber accessories. By supplying compatible products as a complete system, we help project teams reduce installation time, labour, site risk and disruption. All while making projects more sustainable.
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Are Cubis Systems products approved for telecoms use?
Cubis Systems supplies access infrastructure that is heavily specified across all major UK telecoms networks. Specific product approvals depend on the individual network operator, the product selected, and the conditions at the installation site.
For example, STAKKAbox™ JMF is the only Openreach-approved modular access chamber system. Other chamber systems, covers and accessories can be specified to meet the particular requirements of a telecoms project, including chamber size, location, loading class, duct arrangement and future access needs.
Our technical and telecoms teams can help project teams select the appropriate solution and supporting documentation for their application.
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What chamber solutions does Cubis Systems provide for fibre networks?
We supply a range of telecoms network access chambers for fibre deployments, including STAKKAbox™ JMF, STAKKAbox™ Fortress, STAKKAbox™ ULTIMA and STAKKAbox™ Toby. The range is supported by accessories such as duct entries, access steps and cable-management brackets, helping project teams create a complete below-ground chamber solution.
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How do concrete infill access covers support telecoms networks?
Concrete infill access covers provide secure access to underground telecoms infrastructure, allowing network operatives to inspect, maintain and expand the fibre network when needed.
Our concrete infill access cover has been supplied to the telecommunications market for more than 30 years. It is available in a range of sizes and can be specified with bespoke badging and locking options.
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Can Cubis Systems support the technical specification of fibre chamber infrastructure?
Yes. We offer technical product information, BIM configuration, and training resources through our Technical Hub. A team of specialists is also available to help customers with product and project-requirement queries.
For complex fibre deployments, early engagement can help ensure the chamber, cover and accessory configuration is appropriate for the network design, site conditions and long-term access requirements.
