‘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.

studiogreenblue: the shape of breeze - 2 front elevation

studiogreenblue: the shape of breeze - 3 entry to living area

studiogreenblue: the shape of breeze - 4 view of kitchen and stairs from living area

studiogreenblue: the shape of breeze - 5 ground floor

studiogreenblue: the shape of breeze - 6 wind passes through the living spaces like a wind tunnel

studiogreenblue: the shape of breeze - 7 (left) stepped floor creates an uplifting air movement (right) penetrations in metal stairs allow wind to pass through

studiogreenblue: the shape of breeze - 8 (left) sloped ceiling of the ground floor directs wind to the upper floor (right) bridge leads through open chasm which enable continuous air circulation

studiogreenblue: the shape of breeze - 9 corridor storage within half wall

studiogreenblue: the shape of breeze - 10 engawa

studiogreenblue: the shape of breeze - 11 at night

studiogreenblue: the shape of breeze - 12 site plan

studiogreenblue: the shape of breeze - 13 floor plan / level 0

studiogreenblue: the shape of breeze - 14 floor plan / level 0

studiogreenblue: the shape of breeze - 15 section

studiogreenblue: the shape of breeze - 16 natural power sources diagram

studiogreenblue: the shape of breeze - 17 difference in temperature generates wind

studiogreenblue: the shape of breeze - 18 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