SCULPTURAL ELLIPTICAL GRAND METAL STAIRCASE
AWARD WINNER | 2008 Best of ‘Steel’ | Southwest Contractor’s Magazine
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Sculptural Elliptical Steel Staircase
From inception to completion the project scope of this intricately woven steel staircase took approximately 2 1/2 years. Our goal was to create a grand staircase built entirely out of structural steel, to appear as free floating and seamless as possible. During the design development stage, we collaborated with various project team members, to keep the structural steel members in cohesion with the architects preliminary design concept.
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Sculptural Elliptical Steel Staircase
By far, the largest challenge was fabricating the 1/2" x 2" solid flat bar handrail to a rolled configuration that needed both radius with lift. We worked with Albina Pipe Bending Co. to provide the rolled radius for the handrail flat bar but, the lift had to be created on site. Using specifically designed tools and extreme heat, the flat bar was forged in place, creating the necessary lift. The finished staircase was finally treated with a rich brown patina and protected with a clear coat. In the end, we were able to complete a sculptural elliptical grand staircase for the clients that not only provides function architecturally, but also acts independently as a sculptural art piece.
PROJECT MEMBERS WE’D LIKE TO THANK
Structural Engineer: Craig Hagelgantz
8102 Menaul Blvd. NE, Suite D
Albuquerque, NM 87110
Steel rolling: Albina Pipe Bending Co., Inc.
12080 SW Myslony Street
Tualatin, Oregon 97062-8041
Steel: Choice Steel Company
7100 2nd St NW
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87107
Kason Group CAD drawings: Rich Lovato
Architects: Overland Partners Architects
5101 Broadway
San Antonio, Texas 78209
General Contractor: J M Evans Construction, Inc.
P O Box 1686
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504-1686
Special Thanks to David Campbell, Chad Gunter & Jerry LeFlar (in memoriam)
The Owners: Name and location of residence withheld at their request.
Photography: Jason Davis
