(St)Aircase makes a strong architectural statement – Minimal use of materials through engineering expertise. A shift in perception: “scrap” becomes a “resource”, not waste. reuse is not an end in itself, but an economic advantage from which a distinct aesthetic almost naturally emerges.
The international jury is thrilled and has awarded our entry third prize out of hundreds of submissions from around the world. A resounding success for our holistic approach—even on a small scale!
The project (St)Aircase
The top floor penthouse is to be internally connected in order to expand the apartment for the family. The staircase required for this intervention is intended to remain visually unobtrusive while being as cost-efficient and material-efficient as possible.
For this reason, we proposed the use of reclaimed steel crossing plates. These originate from the demolition of an industrial facility near the site. Rusted, dented, and at first glance unappealing, they nevertheless offer strong recycling potential. Together with the metal fabricator, suitable plates are selected in the workshop, cut to size, cleaned, deep notches removed, filled, and ground. For each individual step, custom spacer elements measuring 250 × 40 × 20 mm are fabricated. Two heavy-duty anchors are welded onto each of these elements. These simple, lightweight components can be precisely positioned on the wall, with the anchors bonded into the existing concrete using a two-component adhesive.
The actual treads are then welded on site to the fixed spacer elements, and the weld seams are ground smooth. Diagonal tension rods stabilize the cantilevered steps and prevent vibrations.The resulting structure appears light and airy, leading up into the treetops in front of the penthouse’s glass façade – an (St)Aircase, like a phoenix rising from the ashes: from scrap to step.
The Jury
”As a staircase within a residential space, the project avoids unneccessary elements, while its modest presence conveys a careful and thoughtful design approach. The selection of materials and the resolution of details have been considered with great care, resulting in a work that is simple yet possesses a subtle beauty that quietly draws the eye.
“
– Shinya Sueyoshi (GAMMA Architects | Japan)
Jury members:
Beste Aykut (BKSK Architects | USA)
Niko Kapa (Studio Niko Kapa | UK)
Pippa Nissen (Nissen Richards Studio | UK)
Pepyn Nolet (Stephen Taylor Architects | UK)
Gary Polk (BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group | USA)
Shinya Sueyoshi (GAMMA Architects | Japan)
Takumi Takahashi (HAKUTEN | Japan)
Mengyu Zhao (KPF – Kohn Pedersen Fox | USA)
Zehua Zhang (KPF – Kohn Pedersen Fox | USA)
Siyu Zhu (Johnston Marklee | USA)
Learn more about the project and the competition