Catch The Wind Miec Chantli Calnepanolli by Shigeki Kumazawa is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl in Calchihualiztli, Calmanaliztli ihuan Tlatecpanaliztli Tlachihchihualiztli Competition Category.
IztacteocuitlatlCalchihualiztli· 2025
Catch The Wind Miec Chantli Calnepanolli
Client: Seiwa Corporation
Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl Winner in Calchihualiztli Category
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #158996The Design
About Catch The Wind Miec Chantli Calnepanolli
Catch The Wind ce calnepanolli campa motlaneuhtia chantli, motlalia itech iyollo hueyi altepetl. Inin calli quipia caxtolli ce polihui (matlactli ihuan nahui) tlanepanolli, mochihchiuh ica tepozcemento tlachicahualli, ihuan quipia balcones yeyi ixco tlachichihualtin tlen quiahci ehecatl ihuan quiyacana calitic. Yancuic ehecatl mocuepa itech caltzintlan tlen onca ipan tlapachiuhca in tlaquentlaliloyan ihuan in nealtiloyan, zatepan quiza itech ehecacoyoctli tlen huel motlapoa ihuan motzacua, ic tlein quitemohuia in atl-ehecatl ihuan quicualtilia in ehecatl calitic. Ica tlachihualiztli tlen zan monamaca nohuiyan, in calchihualiztli amo huel patiyo. Inin tlachichihualiztli quinequi quichicahuaz in nenepanoliztli intzalan chanehqueh ihuan in quiahuac tlalticpactli itech ce altepetl campa miec tlacatl nemi.
The Recognition
About the Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl
Catch The Wind Miec Chantli Calnepanolli ca in quicuic in Mahuizolli A' Design Award Iztacteocuitlatl, hueyi tlamahuizoliztli tlen momaca in huel yectli, tlanextic ihuan mahuiztic tlachihualli. In quicuicah Iztacteocuitlatl ca cenca cualli ihuan cenca yancuic tlachihualli in quinextia in tlamatiliztli, toltecayotl ihuan ixtlamatiliztli intlachihuanime. Ca quinequi in Catch The Wind Miec Chantli Calnepanolli ca cenca cualli, cenca motequiuhtia ihuan yancuic. Ni dizayno in quicuic Iztacteocuitlatl quihuelitia in toltecayotl, tlamatiliztli, dizayno ihuan teknolohia. Catch The Wind Miec Chantli Calnepanolli quiyolchicahua in tlacah, quipaquiltia ihuan quitlamahuiztiltia.
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
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