Embraced in Recycled Steel オフィスビル by Nobuaki Miyashita is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award 金賞 in 建築・建物・構造物デザイン Competition Category.
金建築· 2025
Embraced in Recycled Steel オフィスビル
Client: Kyoei Steel Ltd
A' Design Award 金賞 Winner in 建築 Category
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- Verified Award Winner
- Verify Award Status for #170802
The Design
About Embraced in Recycled Steel オフィスビル
「Embraced in Recycled Steel（リサイクル鋼に包まれて）」は、日本・山口県の鉄スクラップリサイクル企業のためのオフィスビルである。外観は鋼片（ビレット）から着想を得た積層構造を採用し、特殊塗装によって質感の変化を生み出している。内部では山形鋼、平鋼、異形鉄筋を仕上げ材として用い、構造要素をあらわしとして見せている。バーコードとQRコードのモチーフが各空間を貫くように展開し、天井にはビレットを象ったシームレスなLED照明器具と鋼製ルーバーが組み合わされている。建物は地上4階建てで、最高高さは19.9メートルである。
The Recognition
About the A' Design Award 金賞
Embraced in Recycled Steel オフィスビルは、まさに素晴らしく傑出した第一級のデザインに授与される、計り知れないほど権威ある評価である A' Design Award 金賞の受賞作品です。金賞の受賞作品は、きわめて革新的で、先見性に富み、きらびやかに輝く創造物であり、デザイナーの天才性、叡智、卓越した技量を映し出しています。Embraced in Recycled Steel オフィスビルは、最も称賛される、流行を牽引する記念碑的な発明であり、前例のない価値をもたらすことが期待されます。この A' Design Award 金賞を受賞したデザインは、壮観で尊敬されるプロジェクトであり、芸術・科学・デザイン・技術の境界に大きく寄与し、それを前進させます。Embraced in Recycled Steel オフィスビルは、強い欲求を生み出し、情熱を呼び覚まし、創造性を促し、私たちを引きつけます。
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.
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