Tube House

1961-62
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