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Recently an Auckland architect came to me looking for a lightweight alternative to concrete stairs for a commercial fit-out. The client requested a new wide feature stair capable of easily maneuvering large cabinetry and furniture between levels.
A modular stair system immediately came to mind as a potential solution.
In this case I recommended a Flexus Modular Stair System. The custom moulded treads and risers and their long span properties reduced the need to fully frame and fire rate the support structure. Flexus provided the architect with stair tread lengths of up to 1.8m long. Its natural self finishing concrete look combined with exposed structural steel and glass panels creates a functional staircase with an industrial prefab look.
In the case of the commercial fit-out, assistance for the specifier on engineering design details and loadings was provided.
When designing for modular stairs, apart from building code compliance, a designer or architect should consider the following;
- Foot traffic
- The length and width of tread
- The height of the riser
- How the modular stairs connect to the landing and whether the landing is also modular
- What material the stringers are made from (i.e. timber, steel or concrete)
- What nosings and floor finishes need to be installed
Concrete stairs for retrofitting interiors will always provide some difficulties with access and lifting into place.
