Wave-Shaped Designs Cut Building Wind Pressures Up to 60%

Researchers at Florida State University found that wave-shaped walls and roofs can reduce peak wind pressures on low-rise buildings by 40% to 60% near vulnerable roof and wall corners. In wind-tunnel tests, 3D-printed models with wave depths of 5% to 10% of building height were compared with conventional flat designs, and the deepest waves performed best across multiple wind directions. The curved surfaces disrupted airflow patterns that create damaging suction forces around building edges, suggesting that building geometry could offer a passive way to improve hurricane resilience. The approach may complement existing strategies such as rounded corners, stronger materials and structural reinforcement, which can add cost or be impractical in some settings.