1961-62

Tube House

In 1960, the Gujarat Housing Board held a national competition to encourage new ideas for low-income housing. The program specified walk-up apartments, but they found that by using these long tube houses they could get the required density, as well as much larger living spaces for each family. The Judges, Jane Drew and Achyut Kanvinde, awarded first prize to our entry – an early example of energy-passive architecture. The heated air rising along the sloped ceiling, escapes through a vent at the top. Fresh air, drawn in to replace it, sets up a convention current of natural ventilation – controlled by the adjustable louvers next to the entrance door.

Section

The profile of the mezzaine is shaped so that at one end it forms an otla (traditional platform) for sleeping

Plan

Elevation

Interior