KAUFMANN’S DESERT HOUSE

BY RICHARD NEUTRA

Location: Palm Springs, California, United States.

Year of Construction :- 1946 - 47

Design of house1) This case study examines the

architectural elements and materials of the Kaufmann Desert House and how they provide natural cooling systems in the harsh desert climate.

2) The glass and steel make the house light, airy, and open, but it is the use of stone that solidifies the houses contextual relationship.

Climate is particularly hot and dry. Strong wind flow. Strong winds often cause sand and dust storms in the region. The wind comes from the northwest, while the sun hits the house primarily from the south.

The design of the house is quite simplistic.

The floating effect.First steel slab, second glass wall and a third noticeable material in the house is seen in the thick stone walls.One of the most prominent architectural elements of the Kaufmann House is the thick, cantilevered overhangs that float above the steel and glass.

With effective systems like natural ventilation and the use of materials with high thermal mass, buildings in such a hot climate become more efficient and less money is wasted on air conditioning and other expensive cooling methods.

24 meters 20 meters

480 sq. meters

Area & CostTotal cost of construction = $ 348,000 or Rs 1.73 cr approx.

N

Northern Elevation

Southern Elevation

Western Elevation

Site context Desert landscaping is being provided all around the structure.

Swimming pool is placed in southern east side which reflects the entire structure & it also creates a microclimate.

Natural stone is used in the exterior and interior of the house which creates vivid effect that differ in smoothness other finishes.

Built & unbuilt spaces

Unbuilt space

Built space

N

Built space The house sits on an east-west axis, the other sits perpendicular or to the cardinal directions to expand the areas of residence.

The large sliding windows, whose bronze-colored blinds alleviated the silvery glow of the house, lead to an open, adjacent courtyard in the living room and in the master bedroom, open to the pool.

The east wing is connected with the living space of the north wing through a gallery that houses a bedroom suite.

In the north wing another corridor opens along an outside patio that leads to two other rooms.

N The lounge area, shared with the dining room and more or less square, is at the center of the house.

The south wing connects to the public sphere and includes a marquee and two long covered walkways.

In the west wing there is a kitchen, service spaces and rooms for staff which can be reached by a deck "breezway".

Unbuilt spaces

N

Swimming pool

Richard has intelligently placed swimming pool in south eastern side by which that portion also become a part of built space.

It is the most iconic & recognizable aspects of the house.

It creates a composite balance of the overall design of the house.

Swimming pool gives a cohesive balance and harmony to the house because house alone is unbalance and heavy as the wings are not equally proportioned.

Before placing the swimming pool the area was inactive and part of unbuilt space. And it also helps to keep the surrounding atmosphere cool and calm.

Climatic Aspects Apertures is appropriate for accommodating the northwest wind flow and allowing it to flow directly into the room.

Having apertures on opposite sides of a room forces the air through the room and consequently carries the heat out of the room.

The living room is located on the south side of the building and has no shading devices or overhangs.

Pool view from Living room

Corridor view

Bolder and desert trees (cactus) as a landscaping element

Snap taken in 1947

Ventilation Pathway

Note :-

1) Thick stone wall2) Ventilation

In elevation breeze pathway

Linkage between indoor and outdoor space

THANK YOU

SUBMITTED BY :-SWAPNIL R. KAHAR5TH SEM B.ARCH (C.B.S.)1ST DESIGN ASSIGNMENTP.I.A.D.S. NAGPUR