Stair of the Week: Danger!
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 05.12.08
We don't usually have two stairs of the week on one day, but we couldn't pass this one up. It is by Jordivayreda Projectteam from Spain, where they evidently either don't have building inspectors or they just appreciate good design. They are not very green, and strictly speaking you cannot even call them minimalist, given that there is probably more steel behind the wall supporting the cantilever than you actually see. But they are pretty.
Most commenters at apartment therapy are appalled, considering them unsafe. I think the interesting question is how we are so afraid of innovation, that we wrap ourselves in so many rules, that we just look at this and our first thought is "someone will kill themselves on that." I actually am beginning to agree with commenter Nightrain who said "Good God, you're all so uptight. Waaa waa waa, code, safety, blah blah. It's not your house, so lighten up." ::Jordivayreda Projectteam, whose site is crashed due to demand, via ::Apartment Therapy also on ::BoingBoing
What's the big deal with safety? It looks what, some 8' tall? Should you be unfortunate enough to fall, you'll be quite alright. Hell, you'll probably be in a better state than falling down normal stairs because your head won't bounce off a bunch of steps and posts.
Safety aside, I don't think it's very pretty :( Looks more like stylish bookshelves to me!
I really think those are gorgeous. Its awesome seeing what people can get away with in other countries without having to get tons of building permits to do something creative. That gap above the kitchen is cool looking too.
It's not the "falling off" problem so much as the "sharp steel objects at neck level" problem
As someone who, at 6'4" tall, is constantly bumping his heads on things, I can say I'd never approach that desk without wearing a helmet.
they are lovely stairs and i very much enjoy looking at them, though i'm glad they are in someone else's home.
it isn't the lack of handrail which makes me nervous, but the fact they look like there would be a little too much bounce which could unbalance someone.
Yes, they are very pretty. But I must say the lack of a handrail makes me uneasy - not for myself, but for children who might try to climb these when you're not looking.
The bounce would have already been dealt with in the structure--the only way to do this is to embed a crazy amount of steel in the wall (that you don't see). Those stair treads are likely steel plates, so they won't flex too much.
you are in real danger of alienating me as a reader with this stuff. Please open a minimalist design blog if this is the sort of thing you are into.
Personally, I wouldn't have them...but I have a crazy little dog, a crazy 3 year old daughter, and I tend to be clumsy. So those are my reasons. However, I tend not to be a fan of the more modernistic look (and anyone who's seen my VERY few posts would know this), but I actually surprisingly liked the look of these stairs. Perhaps if I were in different conditions (than the ones I just stated, more specifically if I weren't so dang clumsy! *grin*), I'd have to consider them for my own home one day...y'know..one day when I could get around the safety code and whatnot. *grin*
PS. Love the house by the way! Even though it has a modern look, it almost has a homey feel that is lacking in many modern homes we see here. I ESPECIALLY love the table and chair set in the dining room!
These are really cool stairs... but where do they go?
Good design?
Imagine trying to get a mattress up that thing, or even laundry.
FAIL
If the wall is made from stone or concrete, the weight from the wall is enough to keep the stairs into place. no extra steel needed.
I agree upon the design, but I also think these stairs are not meant to be used for any house... At least they shouldn't be seen in a family house with kids or elders.
Getting laundry down them would be easy though, just throw it and it will land on the first floor!!
They do look cool, very modern and have a very simple line, however, I see danger written all over them, god forbide you've had a few drinks, or even worse, children around.
A friend had something similar, but with half-split log sections for treads, tapered at one end and compression fit into a substantial (16" dia) center post to form a spiral staircase. I love the free floating effect. If you're concerned about safety, be mindful where you put your feet. The handrail is never touched by most, it's the visual effect more than the actual need. I don't understand such a low threshold for risk aversion....
As far as the statement that they are not green because of the steel behind them, that's a bit misleading. Correct, there is probably steel behind them supporting the cantilever, but what you may or may not realize is that A. that steel could be 100% recycled, and that B. that same steel may again be recycled at end of life. I'm tired of 'simple' comments that don't fully explore the intentions of the designer.
It's funny how alot of Treehugger's writers tend to follow this same pattern of 'in your face' perceptions.
Now, safety on the other hand...completely out the window on this one. Probably not too good for children, elderly, or anyone with mobile difficulties.
We all like to throw off rules because they are worry-wart suffocating, I ski and ride a motorcycle for instance even though it's a risk. But that thing could put someone in a wheel chair with just a minor stumble --not to mention the inattentive desk-user getting poked in the face by a stair corner. It is only suitable for a hampster cage.