A staircase is a set of steps that is used to access different levels within a building. Staircases can be constructed using a variety of materials, including wood, concrete, steel, and stone, and are typically designed to be functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing.
There are several different types of staircases, including straight stairs, which have a single flight of steps, and winding or circular stairs, which have a curved or spiral configuration. Staircases may include decorative elements such as balustrades, handrails, and newel posts, which enhance their visual appeal and provide additional support.
In modern and contemporary architecture, staircases are often designed to be more than just functional elements. They can be used to make a statement or to create a visual impact within a space. For example, a staircase might be designed with a unique shape or materials, such as glass or steel, to add visual interest and create a sense of drama within the space. Staircases can also be used to connect different areas of a building in a way that is visually striking and dynamic.
The design of a staircase is governed by a set of building codes and standards, which specify requirements for things such as the width and height of the steps, the slope of the stairs, and the spacing of handrails. These codes are in place to ensure the safety and accessibility of the staircase for all users.
Pedraza house
the staircase
The staircase is defined by the profile of its steps, lined with oak wood. The light sets the rest of the space, where the doors and railings are concealed to give prominence to the ascending path.
Xu Beihong foundation
the atrium
The central atrium of the building is a space illuminated by a large skylight. The plasticity of its concrete walls reminds us of a natural cave dominated by the stairs leading to the upper level.
Burke house
floor plan layouts
The floor plans show the result of combining the existing house with the new extension. This spatial planning exercise provides well-articulated and functional spaces with excellent lighting and ventilation conditions.
folded auditorium
the staircase
From the entrance hall to the auditorium, the upper floor can be accessed via an elegant staircase suspended by steel cables. The foyer is a large and luminous space with a view of the vertical garden that covers the party wall of the nearby building.
Dehan village
the axonometric diagram
The iconic volume of the model house is the result of assembling the spaces around the main spiral staircase. The result is an interior that allows for diagonal views through the double-height spaces.
Xu Beihong foundation
the main facade
The faƧade of the building consists of a double metal mesh envelope with angular shapes. The access is located on the first floor, through a grandstand that connects the street with the inner courtyard.
cuƱa house
the section and elevation
The elevation and section of the house show the simplicity of the volume, a simple wedge-shaped pitched roof allowing for two storeys, double-height space and a courtyard open to the sky.
Dehan village
the floor plan layouts
The villas are distributed on three levels connected by a central staircase core. The most public spaces are arranged on the lower levels while the bedroom occupies the upper floor.
cuƱa house
the exposed concrete stairs
The concrete stairs have been carefully cast to create a sculptural and minimalist element whose silhouette can be seen through the translucent glass of the window.
fragmented house
the staircase
The stairs occupy a central place in the entrance hall, they have a sculptural and minimalist design with a glass balustrade that allows the silhouette of the steps to be seen.
Burke house
the staircase
The stairs take on prominence by visually connecting the interior spaces and establishing the formal language of the building’s exterior. This promenade is a contrast between the warm interior and the lushness of the Irish landscape that can be contemplated along the way.
Dehan village
the villa cross sections
The cross-section of the villas shows the relationship between spaces, connected by double heights. The unique shape of the roof and the openings result in a fluid and diaphanous space.
cuƱa house
the floor plan layouts
The ground floor comprises a spacious living/dining room with open plan kitchen, a utility area with laundry room and two guest bedrooms. On the upper floor is the master bedroom with a patio with jacuzzi.
cuƱa house
the reception room
From the garden, the living room occupies a central position between the open kitchen, the travertine windbreak at the entrance and the concrete stairs leading to the upper floor.
wavescape pavilion
the interior view
The interior of the pavilion has a large central column supporting the fungiform roof. Around the circular hall, there is a raised walkway that connects the different pavilions and allows a view of the sea through the faƧade.
Dulwich house
the staircase
The stairs are designed as a sculptural piece of furniture. Made of natural and lacquered wood, they provide wide steps towards the second floor while hiding a small toilet underneath. On the side, and following an orthogonal composition, they form a bookcase in front of the dining room.
Xu Beihong foundation
the cross section
This section of the museum shows the central atrium on the first floor, covered by the skylight, and the various exhibition rooms.
wavescape pavilion
the cross and longitudinal section
The sections show the fungiform roof structure, the floating faƧade and the interior walkways and ramps connecting the interior of the pavilions and the roof.
Dehan village
the spiral staircase
A secondary spiral staircase connects the living room with the dining room on the first floor. The relationship between the two is enhanced through the double-height space and the staircase adopts a sculptural presence reinforced by the light from the window.
K house
the open space
The free form that the house adopts can be appreciated in the interior, a fluid and diaphanous space that is defined by the views and the light.
Dulwich house
the entrance hall
The visual connection of the spaces and the curated diffuse natural lighting that invades the first floor are perceived from the entrance hall, where the original design of the stairs articulates the relationship between the dining room and the office.
K house
the courtyard
The house closes in on itself to embrace a small courtyard. This concave space opens up to the swimming pool, which dominates the slope on which the house is situated.
cuƱa house
the concept diagram
This three-dimensional illustration shows the uses of the dwelling, its formal structure and access points.
Atienza music hall
the site plan
The intervention integrates the building into its surroundings through comprehensive landscape design. The new access ramps, the trees and the gardens help to enhance the monument in context.
Dehan village
the living room
The living room has a large window to enjoy the views of the landscape. This double-height space is connected to the dining room through a spiral staircase and also has access to the guest room on the ground floor.