{"id":33351,"date":"2019-01-16T08:45:00","date_gmt":"2019-01-16T13:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/architizer.com\/blog-test\/floating-staircases\/"},"modified":"2022-05-31T05:18:41","modified_gmt":"2022-05-31T09:18:41","slug":"floating-staircases","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/architizer.com\/blog\/practice\/details\/floating-staircases\/","title":{"rendered":"\u200bHow to Detail a Fantastic Floating Staircase"},"content":{"rendered":"

Architects: Showcase your next project through\u00a0<\/i>Architizer<\/i><\/span><\/a>\u00a0and sign up for our\u00a0<\/i>inspirational newsletter<\/i><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Creating the perfect floating stair \u2014 one that appears to lightly hover above the ground and smoothly rise to unknown higher levels \u2014 is challenging.<\/p>\n

There are countless considerations to make from tread length, to step depth, riser height and handrail width. There are also several design options to contemplate when detailing such a stair: Will it have wall supports or be a sturdy mono-stringer? Will it be dramatically suspended from a series of ceiling-hung cables, or will it feature a standard set of stringers that unite the stair as a singular object? And how can a balustrade be detailed such that it provide safety and code compliance, without diminishing the “floating” effect of the stair?<\/p>\n

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Diagram of floating stair tread insert with wall-inserted brackets; Image via <\/i>Diamond Stairs<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

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Fontanot<\/a> floating stair with glass balustrade<\/i><\/p>\n

Before getting into these questions, it\u2019s important to pay attention to the construction restraints you\u2019re working within. Knowing details about the building code is going to be step one in designing a floating stair, since consistent conversation surrounding their safety is always top of mind<\/a> amongst homeowners, developers and other architects. Like everything else in life, love and construction, safety must come first.<\/p>\n

So let\u2019s talk about how to make one properly \u2014 a staircase that adheres to code, is pretty to look at and easy to walk up and down.<\/p>\n

Safety First<\/h2>\n

Construction codes vary from country to country and what may be deemed safe in Spain is not necessarily going to be appropriate in California. Even the building typology makes a difference in designing a floating stair. In some cases across the United States, local jurisdictions have developed their own building codes.<\/p>\n

For example, the Chicago Municipal Code<\/a> applies to the entire city of Chicago, while other towns use specific laws standard to construction in their own communities. Most major cities, however, have adopted the International Building Code<\/a> created by the International Code Council. These regulations are based on a model building code, which is updated every three years.<\/p>\n

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Solid Concrete Studio + Gallery<\/a> by ASWA<\/a> features a mono-stringer cantilevered staircase with a single landing and metal railing. Set in Bangkok, this type of stair with limited railing in a commercial space may not be appropriate under American building codes. <\/i><\/p>\n

The beauty behind a floating staircase is that it provides an open, modern and sleek look in any setting. Depending on the stringer and material used for the treads, floating stairs can look virtually weightless. When designing for residential use, construction codes are a bit more relaxed. With public-facing stairs, however, architects must follow a stricter code. If it\u2019s the primary means of egress between floors, it also must be more carefully considered.<\/p>\n

Per the IBC, a floating stair must comply with the following minimal measurements<\/a>:<\/p>\n