Kyoei Steel is a leading Japanese company that recycles steel scrap and produces structural steel using electric arc furnaces. At the core of its operations is the steel business, which revitalizes "steel that has fulfilled its role" by transforming it back into new products. Additionally, the company applies its expertise to the environmental recycling business, where advanced technology is used to fully neutralize industrial waste.
This project involves the integration and renewal of the aging office and welfare buildings at the Yamaguchi plant. The aim is not only to improve operational efficiency but also to create a space that embodies Kyoei Steel’s corporate identity while fostering a sense of pride and fulfillment among employees.
The architectural concept, “An Office Embraced in Recycled Steel”, expresses the transformation of scrap steel into structural materials through its design. The exterior takes inspiration from stacked billets found in the factory, while the interior incorporates manufactured steel angles and rebar as finishing materials, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability. Design elements inspired by Kyoei Steel’s barcode and QR code patterns extend throughout the entrance, corridors, staircases, and workspaces, creating a spatial experience where steel and light interact harmoniously.
This design enhances the raw physicality and strength of steel, exploring its architectural potential beyond conventional uses. It not only redefines steel as a building material but also makes Kyoei Steel’s brand identity tangible throughout the entire space.
The lighting design further amplifies this concept by translating digital patterns into three-dimensional light effects, introducing depth and movement. By utilizing light to create a dynamic and immersive atmosphere, the design symbolizes the company’s identity and continuous evolution, offering a striking and engaging representation of its vision for the future.