Nauset Construction has begun work on Temple Place, a 40-unit, six-story affordable apartment complex in Cambridge.

The $11-million project will be built on the site of the former YWCA swimming pool building and will consist of a mix of one- and two-bedroom units, with several units specially designed for universal access or for residents with visual or hearing impairments.

"The construction is taking place within a constricted environment, which presents a number of challenges for Nauset," Nauset president Anthony Papantonis said in a statement. "It’s a tight site, so material deliveries have to be well coordinated to minimize disruption to the neighbors. Our vast experience working in the city of Cambridge and other dense urban settings as well as building sustainable residential projects will serve us well in this potentially difficult environment."

Temple Place was designed by Cambridge-based HMFH Architects Inc. to achieve Enterprise Green Community certification. It will feature a green roof, building materials from recycled content and covered on-site automobile and bicycle parking. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.