Catch The Wind Multi Unit Housing by Shigeki Kumazawa |
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| DESIGN NAME: Catch The Wind PRIMARY FUNCTION: Multi Unit Housing 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. UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: 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. OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: 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. PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: 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. FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Architecture, Building and Structure Design |
PRODUCTION / REALIZATION 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. SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Catch The Wind project is a 14 story reinforced concrete structure designed for urban rental housing. The site area is 367.70 sqm, with a building area of 220.06 sqm and a total floor area of 2475.74 sqm. The building reaches a maximum height of 42.59 meters. Its structural system prioritizes durability and seismic resilience, contributing to sustainability through architectural longevity and improved living environments. TAGS: Urban housing, airflow management, natural ventilation, sustainable architecture, urban connection, cost-efficient design, post-pandemic housing, balcony design, RESEARCH ABSTRACT: 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. 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. ADDED DATE: 2024-02-25 15:05:02 TEAM MEMBERS (1) : IMAGE CREDITS: Photographer:Yasuko Okamura |
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| Visit the following page to learn more: https://www.seiwa-stss.jp/ https://bandesign.jp/ | |||||
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NAME: Seiwa Corporation PROFILE: Seiwa Corporation has proudly completed 53 years since its establishment in 2024. Initially focused on maximizing land use, the company has successfully constructed over 5,000 residential buildings and commercial properties, including apartments and office buildings. With a consolidated annual revenue surpassing 200 billion yen, Seiwa Corporation stands as a leading player in the real estate industry. Our philosophy is to build strong, durable structures that enhance the lives of future residents, evolving gracefully over time while contributing to the landscape of the city. We are dedicated to creating vibrant communities that will last for generations, shaping not just buildings, but the very environment in which people live. With a firm belief in the potential of the future, Seiwa Corporation is committed to taking bold steps toward sustainable development and contributing to the creation of a society that thrives in harmony with its surroundings. |
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Catch The Wind Multi Unit Housing by Shigeki Kumazawa is Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design Category, 2024 - 2025.· Read the interview with designer Shigeki Kumazawa for design Catch The Wind here.· Press Members: Login or Register to request an exclusive interview with Shigeki Kumazawa. · Click here to register inorder to view the profile and other works by Shigeki Kumazawa. |
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