Residence, Long Island [US]

EeStairs + David Bae

The staircase designed by architect David Bae for a property in Captains Neck Lane, Long Island, demonstrates that even the simplest materials in a simple stair form can produce an interesting outcome. As Bae says: ‘We believe details are what allow buildings to sing. Even the most common material used in innovative ways can take on meaning which conventional applications would not allow.’

The precise fabrication skills at EeStairs North American facility were therefore an important factor in this project. The ‘waterfall’ design of the staircase is deliberately functional, the key features being the balustrades and soffit, which are made of grids of steel rods, with every intersection welded.

To achieve accuracy and strength, we set up a bespoke jig which helped us to complete the MIG welds very quickly – and meet the engineer’s specifications in the process. Bae gave the stairs one unexpected design touch: the handrails were wrapped with leather.