Abstract: An exemplary system and method for enhanced structural and thermal structure having an engineered thermal transition zone that integrates with an energy pile section having foundation pile for retaining engineered material or soil and thermal cooling loop that circulate through the material. An apparatus includes an outer surface extending between a first end and a second end of the section; an inner surface spaced apart and radially inward from the outer surface and defining a central channel of the apparatus; a thermal transition zone extending between the outer surface and the inner surface, the thermal transition zone configured to facilitate heat transfer between the inner surface and the outer surface; and a conductive conduit extending through at least the thermal transition zone from the first end to the second end of the apparatus.