Traditional concrete access chambers are strong, but they are also heavy, slow to install, and disruptive to traffic. In today’s urban infrastructure, where speed, flexibility, and sustainability are critical, this approach no longer meets expectations. The Cubis STAKKAbox™ ULTIMA modular access chamber provides an alternative that is light in weight, fast to install, and strong enough for the heaviest load conditions.

What Makes the ULTIMA Different?

The ULTIMA system is built from 150 mm twin-wall GRP sections that interlock. This modular format allows chambers to be built to virtually any depth or size directly on-site. It is this flexibility that makes ULTIMA suited for both new builds and congested retrofits where space is tight.

Each section weighs only 20–25 kg, so it can be lifted safely by one person. This eliminates the need for cranes or lifting machinery, immediately reducing project costs and improving installation safety. It also simplifies logistics, since the sections can be flat-packed for transport, unlike bulky concrete chambers.

How Strong Is a Lightweight Chamber?

The question often asked is whether a lighter chamber can really match the strength of concrete. The answer is yes. ULTIMA chambers withstand vertical and sidewall loads up to 40 tonnes, making them suitable for carriageways and footways. Their strength not only matches concrete but in many cases surpasses it.

The smooth GRP internal walls resist both weathering and chemical attack, giving the chambers a service life of more than 40 years. This long-term reliability ensures ULTIMA does not compromise on durability while delivering the benefits of a modular build.

How Much Time Can Be Saved on Site?

Concrete chambers take days to install, often with heavy equipment and backfill requirements. By contrast, flexible access chamber system can be installed in minutes or hours thanks to their modular stacking system. The design eliminates the need for concrete backfill, which means reduced materials, lower labour costs, and less disruption in busy urban environments.

This efficiency explains why the inspection chamber market, worth USD 1.5 billion in 2024, is forecast to grow to USD 2.8 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 7.5%. Contractors and utilities are increasingly seeking faster, more adaptable solutions for underground access.

How Does ULTIMA Compare with Concrete?

Project Factor Concrete Chambers STAKKAbox™ Ultima
Weight Handling Heavy, requires lifting machinery Under 25 kg, manual handling
Installation Speed Days with site disruption Minutes or hours
Backfill Needs Concrete required No concrete backfill
Load Bearing High but rigid Up to 40 tonnes with flexibility
Service Life Durable but maintenance heavy Over 40 years, resistant to chemicals
Sustainability Not recyclable Fully recyclable materials

Where Is ULTIMA Being Applied?

The system’s adaptability makes it suitable for a wide variety of infrastructure projects:

  • Telecom splice points and cable drawing manholes in highways and tunnels
  • Drainage and water utilities where projects must avoid long disruptions
  • Retrofit and overbuild projects in congested underground networks
  • Highways and carriageways where load capacity up to 40 tonnes is essential

This flexibility reflects the global shift toward modular infrastructure solutions. The modular walk-in chambers market, valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 2.5 billion by 2033 at a CAGR of 9.2%. Growth is being driven by the need for fast, reliable, and sustainable alternatives to concrete.

Why Is the Middle East Adopting Modular Systems?

The regional modular construction market was valued at USD 6 billion in 2024 and is projected to expand at a 6% CAGR through 2030, supported by rapid urbanisation and national infrastructure programs. For regional projects where traffic congestion and harsh conditions create extra challenges, the Cubis ULTIMA access chamber provides a lightweight yet durable solution. It is increasingly chosen for telecom, highways, and water projects across the region.

How Does ULTIMA Support Sustainability?

The ULTIMA is not only efficient but also environmentally responsible. Each chamber is made from fully recyclable GRP materials and produces non-toxic dust when cut. By removing the need for concrete backfill, the system reduces both carbon footprint and overall site waste. This aligns perfectly with global infrastructure goals for sustainability.

See the ULTIMA at WETEX 2025

We at Dutco Tennant LLC are extremely excited to be joining this year’s WETEX exhibition with a range of innovations designed for modern infrastructure. One of the prominent names with us is Cubis Systems, presenting the STAKKAbox™ ULTIMA modular access chamber system. With its combination of lightweight installation, 40-tonne strength, and a lifespan exceeding 40 years, the ULTIMA is redefining how highways, tunnels, and utilities approach underground access.

We will be awaiting your present at -

  Dubai World Trade Centre

  30 Sept to 2 Oct

  Stand No.: 7-H5