studiogreenblue: the shape of breeze

'the shape of breeze' by studiogreenblue, isesaki city, gunma prefecture, japan
all images © studiogreenblue


located in isesaki city, japan, this single family house 'the shape of breeze' by japanese practice studiogreenblue
has been designed to naturally ventilate itself. reaching a humid 40 degrees celsius during summer months, this dwelling
is positioned within the hottest region of the country. a series of stacked volumes and angled partitions create a structure
which may remain cool without the use of air conditioning. breezes are funneled through the ground level entry and combined
with stepped floors and sloped ceilings begin to converge and sweep through the interior. the inclined facade in conjunction
with projected eaves and wing walls prevent strong sunlight from passively heating the interior.

the upper level features an open air engawa bordered with a half wall and glass doors, over which air may circulate into
the bedrooms. the lower sun angles of winter are able to reach further into the home, allowing sunlight to passively heat
while white surfaces reflect illumination into the furthest corners.



front elevation



entry to living area



view of kitchen and stairs from living area



ground floor



wind passes through the living spaces like a wind tunnel



(left) stepped floor creates an uplifting air movement
(right) penetrations in metal stairs allow wind to pass through



(left) sloped ceiling of the ground floor directs wind to the upper floor
(right) bridge leads through open chasm which enable continuous air circulation



corridor storage within half wall



engawa



at night



site plan



floor plan / level 0



floor plan / level 0



section



natural power sources diagram



difference in temperature generates wind



wind circulation through the house


project info:


project name: the shape of breeze
architect: studiogreenblue
city: gunma prefecture, ora district
country: japan

project location
city: gunma prefecture, isesaki city
country: japan

project information
design team: mitsuharu kojima, wataru kobayashi
structural engineer: kakinuma architecture office
photographer: studiogreenblue