Catch The Wind

Multi Unit Housing for Seiwa Corporation

Catch The Wind is a centrally located rental housing complex that integrates an innovative balcony design to enhance urban connection and airflow. Unlike traditional balconies, its three dimensional structure captures wind, circulating fresh air through chambers in the closet and bathroom ceilings to improve indoor air quality. This economical approach uses off the shelf materials, addressing post pandemic social and environmental needs by enhancing resident interaction with the outdoor environment.

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Catch The Wind by Shigeki Kumazawa

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Multi Unit Housing by Shigeki Kumazawa

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Shigeki Kumazawa Catch The Wind

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Shigeki Kumazawa Multi Unit Housing

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Seiwa CorporationBrand Logo

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Unique Properties

Catch The Wind is a centrally located rental housing complex featuring an innovative balcony design to boost urban connection and airflow. Unlike traditional balconies, its three dimensional structure captures wind, circulating fresh air through chambers in closet and bathroom ceilings to improve indoor air quality. This economical approach uses off the shelf materials, addressing post pandemic social and environmental needs by enhancing resident interaction with the outdoors.

Tags

Urban housing, airflow management, natural ventilation, sustainable architecture, urban connection, cost-efficient design, post-pandemic housing, balcony design,

Production Technology

Catch The Wind employs a three dimensional balcony structure optimized for urban airflow management. Standardized, off-the-shelf components were strategically used to balance cost efficiency with high performance. The design integrates airflow chambers within closets and unit bath ceilings, creating natural ventilation that circulates through the space. The structural framework utilizes reinforced concrete for durability, while modular fittings enable streamlined assembly, ensuring resilience and ease of maintenance in high-density urban environments.

Design Challenge

The most challenging aspect of this design was encouraging residents to consciously engage with ventilation in a natural and effortless way. In an urban environment, where ventilation is often difficult, it was crucial to create a design that enabled residents to seamlessly incorporate the flow of air into their daily lives. The wind-capturing balconies provide opportunities for residents to naturally bring fresh air into their living spaces, making it easier to be mindful of ventilation. To achieve this, factors such as airflow and privacy considerations were carefully balanced.

Project Duration

This project, completed in 2023, is located in the central area of Nagoya City, Japan, a bustling urban hub surrounded by offices and residential buildings. Catch The Wind sits directly in front of an elementary school, blending into a vibrant community where people of various generations live and interact. Its strategic location aims to enhance the urban living experience while fostering connections between residents and their environment.

Operation Flow

Catch The Wind enhances living by improving airflow and connection to the outdoors. The three-dimensional balconies are designed to catch and channel wind through the building, creating natural ventilation. Residents experience fresher air as it flows through closets and bathrooms before exiting via adjustable vents. This design reduces humidity, improves air quality, and fosters a healthier, more comfortable indoor environment, blending the inside and outside seamlessly.

Research

Research Objectives: Explore innovative solutions for natural ventilation and improved urban living in high-density areas. Participants: Architects, urban planners, and engineers. Results: Research showed that 3D balcony systems improve ventilation, lower humidity, and enhance comfort. These findings shaped designs to channel wind effectively into living spaces. Impacts: This approach promotes sustainable living by improving air quality, cutting energy costs, and creating healthier urban housing models.

Inspiration

The idea arose from noticing the gap between urban rental housing and its surroundings. Many apartments feel cut off from nature, leading to stagnant air and limited outdoor interaction. To improve residents' quality of life, we envisioned a solution introducing natural airflow and urban engagement via innovative balcony design. We aimed to create healthier, more connected living while emphasizing the importance of fresh air and nature, blending functionality with environmental sensitivity.

Image Credits

Photographer:Yasuko Okamura

Project Overview

Catch The Wind Multi Unit Housing has been a Silver winner in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

Silver Recognition

Shigeki Kumazawa was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Catch The Wind Multi Unit Housing.

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