Embraced in Recycled Steel Kantoargebou by Nobuaki Miyashita

Embraced in Recycled Steel Kantoargebou by Nobuaki Miyashita is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award yn Goud in Arsjitektuer, Gebou en Struktuerûntwerp Competition Category.

GoudArsjitektuer· 2025

Embraced in Recycled Steel Kantoargebou

by Nobuaki Miyashita

Client: Kyoei Steel Ltd

A' Design Award yn Goud Winner in Arsjitektuer Category

71,832
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #170802

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

Colors

The Design

About Embraced in Recycled Steel Kantoargebou

Embraced in Recycled Steel is in kantoargebou foar in stielrecyclingbedriuw yn Yamaguchi, Japan. De bûtenkant hat in steapele struktuer, ynspirearre troch stielbilets, mei spesjale coatings dy't tekstuerfariaasje kreëarje. It ynterieur brûkt hoekstiel, platte stangen en foarme wapeningsstangen as ôfwurkmaterialen, wêrtroch strukturele eleminten iepen yn it sicht komme. Motiven fan barkoades en QR-koades rinne troch de romten hinne, en naadleaze LED-armatueren yn de foarm fan bilets binne kombinearre mei stielen louvres oan it plafond. It gebou hat fjouwer ferdjippingen boppe de grûn en in maksimale hichte fan 19,9 meter.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award yn Goud

Embraced in Recycled Steel Kantoargebou is in winner fan de A' Design Award yn Goud, in ekstreem prestisjeuze erkenning foar earste-klas, prachtige en treflike ûntwerpen. Goudwinners binne tige ynnovative, fisionêre en glamoureus ferbjusterjende skeppings dy't it sjeny, de wiisheid en de feardigens fan har ûntwerpers wjerspegelje. Fan Embraced in Recycled Steel Kantoargebou wurdt ferwachte dat it in tige priizge, trendsettende en monumintale útfining is dy't unferlykbere wearde leveret. Dit winnende ûntwerp fan de A' Design Award yn Goud is in spektakulêr, respektearre projekt dat grutte foardielen bringt en de grinzen fan keunst, wittenskip, ûntwerp en technology ferleget. Embraced in Recycled Steel Kantoargebou makket yntinse gefoelens fan begearte, stekt passy oan, stimulearret kreativiteit en fassinearret ús.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Kyoei Steel recycles steel scrap using electric furnaces. The new Yamaguchi office themed An Office Embraced in Recycled Steel embodies this transformation. The exterior draws from stacked billets while the interior uses locally sourced angle steel and rebars. Barcode and QR code designs extend through office spaces, harmonizing steel and light. The lighting design transforms these patterns into three dimensional forms, adding depth and movement, symbolizing Kyoei Steel’s identity and vision.
Dimensions & Packaging: Site Area: 108,045.44 Square meters
Building Area: 1,091.12 Square meters
Total Floor Area: 3,931.89 Square meters
Structure: RC
Number of Floors: 4 above ground
Maximum Height: 19.9 m
Eaves Height: 16.5 m
Floor Height: 3.9 m
Ceiling Height: 2.9 m
Tags: architecture, office, lighting design, recycled steel, sustainable design
Production Technology: The building’s exterior adopts a stacked structure inspired by Kyoei Steel’s billets, with special coatings creating textural variations symbolizing recycling. The interior features angle steel, flat bars, and deformed steel bars as finish materials, bringing typically hidden structural elements into the architectural expression. The lighting design integrates seamless LED fixtures shaped like billets, harmonizing with steel louvers on the ceiling for a cohesive lighting environment.
Design Challenge: The main challenge was to create an architecture that symbolizes the company’s identity without compromising factory functionality. The project required extensive testing to utilize steel materials not only structurally but also aesthetically. Special focus was given to the QR code-inspired vertical design and lighting integration, which underwent multiple prototypes and refinements to achieve the desired effect.
Research: Type of Research: Architectural design research
Research Objectives: Exploring recycled steel’s potential in architecture
Methodology: Material analysis and spatial testing
Data Collection: Mock-ups and lighting simulations
Participants: Designers, engineers, technical experts
Results: The building serves as a showroom, demonstrating recycled steel’s architectural potential
Impact: Set a benchmark for sustainable design while enhancing corporate branding and public awareness
Inspiration: The design reflects the process of transforming recycled scrap metal into new steel products, embodying Kyoei Steel’s commitment to sustainability. The stacked billet-inspired structure symbolizes the recycling and regeneration of steel resources, visually expressing the company's dedication. The interior incorporates the company’s own steel materials, such as angle steel, rebars, and flat bars, ensuring their strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal are fully showcased throughout the space.
Project Duration: The project commenced in early 2022 in Yamaguchi, Japan, with design and planning phases focused on integrating Kyoei Steel’s identity into the architecture. Construction began in mid-2023, aiming to unify office functions while enhancing operational efficiency and employee engagement. The office was completed in early 2024, creating a sustainable workspace that embodies the company’s commitment to steel recycling and innovation.
Operation Flow: This building visualizes Kyoei Steel’s recycling process, transforming the journey of recycled scrap metal into an architectural experience. The stacked billet-inspired exterior symbolizes material circulation, while the interior features angle steel and deformed bars as finish materials. The stairwell integrates a QR code motif with lighting, creating an interplay of steel and light that intuitively communicates the company’s technology and commitment to sustainability.
Patents: N/A
Team Members: N/A
Image Credits: Image #1,#3,#4 : Photographer Nobuaki Miyashita Variations, 2024
Image #2,#5 : Photographer Sato Kenta, Variations, 2024.