KAUFMANNS DESERT HOUSE

BY RICHARD NEUTRA
Location: Palm Springs, California,
United States.

Year of Construction :- 1946 - 47

Design of house
1) 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 With effective systems like natural
Kaufmann House is the ventilation and the use of materials with high
thick, cantilevered thermal mass, buildings in such a hot climate
overhangs that float become more efficient and less money is
above the steel and wasted on air conditioning and other
glass. expensive cooling methods.
Area & Cost
Total cost of construction = $ 348,000
or Rs 1.73 cr approx.

480 sq.
meters
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

Built space

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

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.
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
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. N
It creates a composite balance of
the overall design of the house.
Swimming pool
Swimming pool gives a cohesive
balance and harmony to the house Before placing the swimming pool the
because house alone is unbalance area was inactive and part of unbuilt
and heavy as the wings are not space. And it also helps to keep the
equally proportioned. surrounding atmosphere cool and calm.
Swimming pool
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.
 Corridor view

Pool view from Living room

Bolder and desert trees (cactus) as a landscaping element
Snap taken in 1947
 Ventilation Pathway

Note :-

1) Thick stone wall

2) Ventilation
In elevation breeze pathway
Linkage between indoor and outdoor
space
THANK YOU

JAGADESH
JAYANTHI
POORNIMA.S