Node 変電所 by Tomi Rantasaari is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award 銅賞 in エンジニアリング・建設・インフラデザイン Competition Category.

銅インフラ· 2025

Node 変電所

by Tomi Rantasaari

Client: Skyline Legal Oy

A' Design Award 銅賞 Winner in インフラ Category

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The Design

About Node 変電所

Nodeは、公園や都市空間に設置されることを想定して設計された変電所である。コンパクトな構造体は4メートル×3メートルの寸法を持ち、窓や開口部が一切見えない完全密閉型とすることで、電気的な安全性とセキュリティを確保している。外殻はコルテン鋼またはアルミパネルで構成され、有機的な有孔パターンがレーザーカットで施されている。有孔ファサードの背後に配したLED照明が、夜間には柔らかな光を放つ。隠し扉によって保守点検時のアクセスが可能となっている。Nodeは高電圧の電力を、住宅や事業所で使用される電圧レベルへと変換する。

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 銅賞

Node 変電所は、創造性、独創性、鋭い洞察力で際立つ傑出したデザインに授与される、高い権威をもつ評価である A' Design Award 銅賞の受賞作品です。銅賞の受賞作品は、十分に巧みで印象的なほど創造的な工芸品であり、デザイナーの豊富な経験、想像力、機知を裏づけています。Node 変電所は、高く評価され、称賛され、愛される品であり、顕著にプロフェッショナルで革新的であることが期待されます。この A' Design Award 銅賞を受賞したデザインは、芸術・科学・デザイン・技術のベストプラクティスを取り入れており、細部への配慮に優れています。Node 変電所は、ニーズを見事に満たし、欲求に触れ、感情を魅了し、好奇心を引きつけます。

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: Node project reimagines the traditional transformer substation as a functional yet aesthetically refined urban infrastructure element. Designed for both park and city environments, the structure is fully enclosed with no visible openings, ensuring maximum electrical safety and security. As dusk falls, soft, warm illumination from within transforms the substation into a visually striking landmark.

The creation of the images has been assisted by AI software, which was used to generate visual elements based on provided descriptions and design preferences. The AI was employed to enhance creativity, streamline the illustration process, and produce high-quality visuals efficiently.
Dimensions & Packaging: This compact 4m x 3m urban transformer substation is fully enclosed for security and electrical safety, with no visible windows or standard openings. Designed to blend into both urban and industrial environments, it combines functionality with modern aesthetics.

The exterior materials include corten steel, anodized aluminum, or composite basalt panels, ensuring weather resistance, durability, and low maintenance. The façade features laser-cut perforations in an organic pattern, creating dynamic light and shadow effects by day and soft LED illumination at night.

Built on a reinforced concrete foundation with hidden rainwater drainage, the substation remains stable and well-managed in all weather conditions. Surrounding elements such as stone pavement, gravel drainage, and metal bollards help guide pedestrians while discouraging unauthorized access.

The substation houses medium-voltage transformers (250–2500 kVA, 10–36 kV primary, 400–690V secondary). Cooling is provided through passive ventilation with optional forced cooling, and the enclosure meets IP54 or IP55 protection standards. Noise levels stay below 60 dB, and integrated grounding ensures electrical safety.

For security, the concealed access door maintains the design’s clean look while allowing maintenance access. Anti-graffiti and corrosion-resistant coatings enhance durability. LED backlighting, controlled by motion sensors or timers, provides subtle nighttime illumination.
Tags: urban transformer substation, critical infrastructure, architectural integration, perforated metal design, concealed access, passive cooling, modern urban design, sustainable infrastructure, electrical safety, public space aesthetics
Production Technology: The transformer substation is constructed using advanced fabrication techniques and durable materials, ensuring both structural integrity and aesthetic quality.

The substation is built with a reinforced steel or concrete core, providing a secure, fully enclosed space for electrical components. The structure is engineered to meet strict safety regulations and withstand harsh environmental conditions in both urban and park settings.

The outer shell consists of weathered corten steel or high-performance aluminum panels, chosen for their durability, low maintenance, and ability to develop a natural patina over time. These panels are laser-cut with precision to create an intricate, artistic perforation pattern.

Integrated LED backlighting is embedded behind the perforated façade, creating a soft, ambient glow at night while ensuring energy efficiency and minimal light pollution.
Design Challenge: The greatest challenge was balancing technical functionality with aesthetic integration. Transformer substations are critical infrastructure, requiring strict safety, ventilation, and accessibility standards, yet they often disrupt urban aesthetics. The team overcame this by designing a fully enclosed unit with concealed access, passive cooling, and artistic perforations. External challenges included safety regulations, material durability, and production feasibility, ensuring compliance without compromising design.
Research: This research focuses on integrating essential infrastructure into urban and natural landscapes without compromising safety or functionality. The objective was to design a secure, aesthetically refined transformer substation that blends seamlessly into its surroundings while ensuring optimal electrical performance.

The methodology combined architectural analysis, material research, and energy efficiency studies. Data was collected through case studies of existing substations, urban integration models, and safety regulations. Simulation tools were used to test structural resilience, thermal performance, and visual impact in different environments.

Participants included urban planners, electrical engineers, architects, and designers, who collaborated to optimize both technical and aesthetic aspects. Prototypes were tested for noise reduction, security, and energy efficiency.

The results demonstrated that an enclosed, perforated façade substation with concealed access enhances both urban safety and architectural harmony. Insights show that modern substations can become functional public art, improving city aesthetics, public acceptance, and infrastructure reliability.

This research impacts urban development, infrastructure design, and energy distribution, proving that essential electrical components can be both high-performing and visually integrated into modern cities. The project sets a new standard for blending infrastructure with design, influencing future urban planning, business investment in aesthetic infrastructure, and the perception of public utilities.
Inspiration: The Node project draws inspiration from the intersection of infrastructure, art, and urban integration, transforming a traditionally utilitarian structure into a harmonious architectural element. The design is influenced by organic patterns found in nature, such as fireflies, constellations, and rippling water, which are reflected in the precision-cut perforations on its surface.
Project Duration: The project’s conceptual development began in 2019, with the design phase officially commencing in autumn 2024. The substation is intended for deployment in various urban and park environments, integrating seamlessly into different architectural contexts.
Operation Flow: Transformers are critical to the electrical grid, ensuring a stable and safe power supply for cities. This substation converts high-voltage electricity into usable levels for homes and businesses, preventing overloads and maintaining reliability. Fully enclosed with a concealed maintenance door, it blends into its surroundings while reducing noise and enhancing safety. Its efficient cooling and durable design make it a vital, resilient part of modern infrastructure, keeping the grid running smoothly.
Patents: Copyright Tomi Rantasaari
Team Members: Tomi Rantasaari, CEO, Head of Design
Image Credits: Copyright Tomi Rantasaari / Skyline Legal Oy