Catch The Wind Mearienheidshúsfesting by Shigeki Kumazawa

Catch The Wind Mearienheidshúsfesting by Shigeki Kumazawa is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award yn Sulver in Arsjitektuer, Gebou en Struktuerûntwerp Competition Category.

SulverArsjitektuer· 2025

Catch The Wind Mearienheidshúsfesting

by Shigeki Kumazawa

Client: Seiwa Corporation

A' Design Award yn Sulver Winner in Arsjitektuer Category

25,763

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #158996

Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Catch The Wind Mearienheidshúsfesting

Catch The Wind is in hierwenningkompleks yn in sintraal stedsk gebiet. It fjirtjin ferdjippings tellende gebou fan wapene beton hat trijediminsjonale balkons dy't de wyn opfange en nei binnen ta liede. Frisse lucht sirkulearret troch keamers yn de plafonds fan kasten en badkeamers foardat dy troch ferstelbere fentilaasjeroasters wer nei bûten giet, wat de fochtigens ferleget en de loftkwaliteit binnendoar ferbetteret. Standert komponinten út de hannel hâlde de bou ekonomysk. It ûntwerp hat as doel de ferbining tusken bewenners en de bûtenwrâld yn in tichtbefolke stedsomjouwing te fersterkjen.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award yn Sulver

Catch The Wind Mearienheidshúsfesting is in winner fan de A' Design Award yn Sulver, in bûtengewoan prestisjeuze erkenning foar topûntwerpen dy't prachtich en yndrukwekkend binne. Sulverwinners binne tige briljante en ekstreem kreative wurken dy't de treflike ekspertize, it talint en de skerpsinnigens fan har ûntwerpers yllustrearje. Fan Catch The Wind Mearienheidshúsfesting wurdt ferwachte dat it in prachtich foarbyldwurk is, opmerklik profesjoneel en djip ynnovatyf. Dit winnende ûntwerp fan de A' Design Award yn Sulver is in tige opfallende, bewûndere útfining dy't foardiel bringt en de grinzen fan keunst, wittenskip, ûntwerp en technology ferleget. Catch The Wind Mearienheidshúsfesting is in skepping dêr't breed oerjûn wurdt, dy't winsken wekker makket, positive gefoelens bringt en ferwûnderjen en fernuvering opwekket.

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