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2007 Citation Awards
Holbrook Loft Stairwell
When the client approached the architect to develop the interior architecture of his loft space, he encouraged the architect to create a staircase that would be the focal point of the entry lobby. Inspired by the client’s days playing for the United States Olympic water polo team, the architect proposed a design to suspend a steel framed staircase from the second floor utilizing a transparent tread material that would evoke the sensation of floating. Receptive to this idea the client’ only requirement was for the design to utilize technological advancements within the glazing industry.
The loft space consists of two levels. The first level located within the third level of a turn of the century building is constructed of wood heavy timber framing. The second level of the loft is a new level added to the building and constructed of glue laminated beams and wood trusses. The existing stair opening is centrally located within the loft and would provide the primary structural support for the staircase. The wood trusses act as a shelf for the suspension system that employs a system of 1”x1” steel square tubes that also serve as ballasts. Two sets of step frames are mechanically fastened to the bottom of each ballast to form each run of the staircase. The lower stair run and landing are anchored at to a shear wall providing the lateral support along the south and west side. Both runs of the stair case are fitted with transparent glass treads. Each tread is formed form tow layers of 1/2 “ tempered glass laminated together with a 1/8” thick acrylic sheet. Small round beads of glass are fused to the top layer providing an abrasive surface for foot traction. The result is an airy frame with a translucent floor surface that recognizes the client’s passion for the aquatic, and his appreciation for technology.