Catch The Wind Multi-eenheid Behuising by Shigeki Kumazawa

Catch The Wind Multi-eenheid Behuising by Shigeki Kumazawa is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award in Silwer in Argitektuur-, Gebou- en Struktuurontwerp Competition Category.

SilwerArgitektuur· 2025

Catch The Wind Multi-eenheid Behuising

by Shigeki Kumazawa

Client: Seiwa Corporation

A' Design Award in Silwer Winner in Argitektuur Category

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Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #158996

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Colors

The Design

About Catch The Wind Multi-eenheid Behuising

Catch The Wind is 'n huurbehuisingskompleks geleë in 'n sentrale stedelike gebied. Die veertienverdieping gewapende betongebou beskik oor driedimensionele balkonne wat wind opvang en dit na die binneruim lei. Vars lug sirkuleer deur kamers in kas- en badkamerplafonne voordat dit deur verstelbare ventilasieopeninge uitgaan, wat humiditeit verlaag en die binnenshuise luggehalte verbeter. Standaard voorafvervaardigde komponente hou die konstruksie ekonomies. Die ontwerp beoog om die verbinding tussen inwoners en die buitelewe in 'n digte stadsomgewing te versterk.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in Silwer

Catch The Wind Multi-eenheid Behuising is 'n wenner van die A' Design Award in Silwer, 'n buitengewoon prestigieuse erkenning wat toegeken word aan topklas-, pragtige en indrukwekkende ontwerpe. Wenners in Silwer is geweldig briljante en uiters kreatiewe werke wat die uitstaande kundigheid, talent en skerpsinnigheid van hul ontwerpers illustreer. Daar word verwag dat Catch The Wind Multi-eenheid Behuising 'n wonderlike vertoonstuk is wat merkwaardig professioneel en diepgaande innoverend is. Hierdie ontwerp wat die A' Design Award in Silwer gewen het, is 'n hoogs noemenswaardige, bewonderde uitvinding wat die grense van kuns, wetenskap, ontwerp en tegnologie bevoordeel en uitbrei. Catch The Wind Multi-eenheid Behuising is 'n wyd beny skepping wat begeertes oproep, positiewe gevoelens bring en verbasing en verwondering wek.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

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.
Dimensions & Packaging: 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,
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.
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.
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.
Patents: non
Image Credits: Photographer:Yasuko Okamura