Case study: Ramkrishna house, Charles Correa

Casestudy of a climate responsive house in tropical climate; Ramkrishna house in Ahmedabad by Charles Correa, 1962-64.

IDEA AND PHILOSOPHY

The Ramkrishna house was built in the 60´s, while socialism was dominating in India. This as well as a focus on climate issues, lead Correa to develop concepts for houses with natural ventilation. During examinig the effect of climate on architecture, he found that spaces that are open to the sky has a positive effect on the atmosphere and quality of life inside. The open roof also suited the Indian climate, and the indians had a different relation to built form because of the warm climate.

The Ramkrishna house is built with the same energy-passive concepts that was developed for the Tube House and the Hindustan Lever Pavillion. These houses are bulit in a hot-dry climate and provides a natural flow of the air, so that the hot air are ventilated out through the toplight “cannon” openings. These openings also provides

natural lighting for the house.

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

The design of the house is closely connected to the climatic challenges. The long and narrow shape as well as the openings in the roof are important for the flow of air. The number of doors and windows are minimized to improve the air movement in the house. The openings in the roof are angled to minimize the heat that are

absorbed inside.

The house is situated in the north edge of the site to maximise the garden in south, witch the main living areas are faced towards. Materials used are brick and concrete,

with a number of paralell walls to bear the construction. These walls are situated according to the interior courts that are top-lit by the roof openings.