Embraced in Recycled Steel 사무동 건물 by Nobuaki Miyashita is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award 금상 in 건축, 건물 및 구조물 디자인 Competition Category.
금건축· 2025
Embraced in Recycled Steel 사무동 건물
Client: Kyoei Steel Ltd
A' Design Award 금상 Winner in 건축 Category
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #170802The Design
About Embraced in Recycled Steel 사무동 건물
'재활용 강재에 둘러싸이다(Embraced in Recycled Steel)'는 일본 야마구치에 위치한 철강 재활용 기업의 사옥이다. 외관은 강편(빌릿)에서 착안한 적층 구조를 채택했으며, 특수 도장을 통해 질감의 변화를 만들어냈다. 내부는 앵글강, 평강, 이형철근을 마감재로 사용하여 구조 요소를 그대로 드러냈다. 바코드와 QR코드 모티프가 공간 전반으로 이어지고, 강편 형태의 심리스 LED 조명이 천장의 스틸 루버와 결합된다. 건물은 지상 4층 규모이며 최고 높이는 19.9미터이다.
The Recognition
About the A' Design Award 금상
Embraced in Recycled Steel 사무동 건물, 이 작품은 A' Design Award 금상 수상작으로, 일류의 경이롭고 뛰어난 디자인에 수여되는 극히 권위 있는 인정입니다. 금상 수상작은 대단히 혁신적이고 선견지명이 있으며 눈부시게 빛나는 작품으로, 디자이너의 천재성, 지혜, 기량을 반영합니다. Embraced in Recycled Steel 사무동 건물, 이 작품은 가장 높이 평가받는 트렌드 선도적이고 기념비적인 발명품으로서 전례 없는 가치를 제공할 것으로 기대됩니다. 이 금상 수상 디자인은 예술, 과학, 디자인, 기술의 경계를 넓히는 장관을 이루는 존경받는 프로젝트입니다. Embraced in Recycled Steel 사무동 건물, 이 작품은 강렬한 욕망을 불러일으키고 열정을 자아내며 창의성을 북돋우고 매료합니다.
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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