Building Planning for Staircases
Relativity, 1953, M.C. ESCHER
Evolution of Staircases
Why do we need Staircase?
Staircase Terminology
Types of Staircases
Building Codes on Staircase
Universal Design of Staircase
Staircase Unlimited
Resources
Evolution of Staircases
“Staircases are one of the oldest
building elements in architectural
histories…reflecting the prevailing
philosophies and symbolic language…”
- Staircases through history by Eva Jiricna
Symbolic Meaning of Staircase
Angkor Wat Steps, Cambodia
Reflecting Architectural Movement
Paris Opera House by Charles Garnier, Beaux Arts Architecture Movement
Staircase as a Lifestyle
Glass Spiral Staircase at Apple Store , Boston
Why do we need Staircase?
“…to protect people from injury and
to facilitate access during movement
from one level to another in a
building.”
- Building & Construction Authority (BCA)
Acceptable Solutions – under Regulation 27 of the
Building Control Regulations Ver 3.01
A staircase shall have
handrails or guides to assist movement
landings to break a fall and provide a place for rest
sufficient headroom to avoid injury
barriers against falling from 1.0 m or more from an open side
Staircase Terminology
Staircase Terminology
Nosing
Riser
Tread
Staircase Terminology
Min Headroom Landing
Total rise
Landing
Pitch line
Pitch
Total going
Staircase Terminology
Handrail
Balustrade
Types of Staircases
Straight Flight Staircase
Straight two-flight stair
with half-landing
Quarter-turn stair with landing
Dogleg stair with half-landing
Quarter-turn stair with
winders
Spiral stair with central column
Circular stair with central well
Building Code on Staircase
(Acceptable Solutions)
Projection
2.0 m headroom
Landing
Handrail
Pitch line
Landing
No projection, other than handrails, is allowed in a staircase
within a height of 2.0 m from the landing or pitch line.
Width of Staircase
900mm
900mm
900mm
The width of every staircase shall not
be less than 900 mm
The width is measured from the inner
side of the wall, balustrade or handrail.
Risers & Treads
Riser
max 175mm
Tread
min 250mm
The height of a riser shall not be more than 175 mm.
The width of a tread shall not be less than 250 mm
The risers and treads within each flight of stairs shall
be of uniform height and size.
Landings of Staircase
min 900mm
A landing shall be provided at every
floor level and door opening.
An intermediate landing shall be
provided in between floor levels at
intervals of not more than 18 risers.
min 900mm
The length of any intermediate
landing, measured in the direction
of travel, shall not be less than 900
mm.
Headroom
2.0 m headroom
Landing
Handrail
Pitch line
Landing
The headroom of any staircase shall not be less than 2.0 m.
Handrail
A handrail shall be provided on at least
one side of the flight of
staircase.
The height of the handrail shall be
between 750 mm and 900 mm above
the pitch line.
Handrail
A handrail need not be provided for a
flight of not more than 5 steps.
Between
750mm –
900mm
Pitch line
A handrail may terminate at the
landing and the ends of the handrail
should be properly formed or rounded
off so that they do not pose a danger to
the user.
Protection from falling
The height of a barrier shall not be less
than 900mm
Barrier
The size of any opening or gap in a
barrier shall not be large enough as to
permit the passage of a sphere of a
diameter of 100 mm.
1o0mm
Min
900mm
Any triangular opening or void formed
around a tread, riser and the bottom
edge of the barrier, the size of any
opening or gap shall not be large
enough as to permit the passage of a
sphere of a diameter of 150 mm
150mm
Pitch line
Universal Design of
Staircases
Universal
Design
“design for all people”.
Treads & Risers
Uniform risers of maximum 150 mm and
treads of minimum 300 mm
All steps shall be fitted with non-slip
nosing strips between 50 mm and 65mm
in width with permanent contrasting
colours
Tactile strips should be provided at the
start and end of every flight of stairs.
Width of Staircase & Landings
Width min 1200mm
landing min 1200mm
The width of stairs is to be of minimum width of 1200 mm and should be adjusted
according to the expected flow of traffic.
Floor landings shall have a level platform of the same width as that of the stairs.
Handrail
Handrails should be provided on both sides of the stairs and continuous
throughout the entire length.
Handrail
800 - 900mm
>300mm
Handrails shall extend at least 1 tread depth or 300 mm beyond the top and bottom
step.
The height of the handrails is to be between 800 mm and 900 mm
After a maximum of 16 risers an intermediate landing should be provided.
Staircases of widths wider than 2300 mm should be separated by a handrail into
segments between 1100 mm and 1800 mm.
Staircase Unlimited
Form
Feature Staircase at Lobby, New Majestic Hotel, Singapore
Material
Feature Staircase, Longchamp Retail Store in New York City
Detailing
Hanging Staircase, Apple Store, Beijing
Lighting
Staircase, Stadium Circle Line MRT Station
Resources
Thank You!