interiors
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Taking steps towards a more sustainable future
Geoffrey Packer, senior designer, EeStairs UK discusses the sustainability of staircase materials
architect or project designer. Staircase designers and architects are finding themselves issued with more ‘green’ briefs – where they are required to not only create an impressive staircase, but one that consists of sustainable products. Staircases mainly serve a functional role – a central staircase,
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for example may be one of the first things that a guest to a build- ing notices. Therefore, it is important to create a piece of work that suits a building’s interior – but might also intrigue, impress and catch the eye of a visitor.
Bamboo To meet the ever-growing demand for sustainable buildings it is important for manufacturers and designers to be innovative and intelligent about the products they use in projects for green-minded clients. A material, which is taking the forefront in eco-friendly staircase design, is bamboo – this, in contrast to most hardwoods, grows exceptionally quickly. Natural stock is abundant due to the plant being prevalent in various regions across the world, from Northern Australia to sub-Saharan Africa to its more recognisable habitats in the Himalayas and China. Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on the planet, with recorded growth of up to 100cm (38 inches) in 24 hours – making it a naturally sustainable product. Bamboo is ideal for staircase design due to a variety of
structural properties. Firstly, the wood is resilient and wear- resistant making it an ideal replacement for steel or concrete in a stair’s treads, riser and strings. The process that bamboo goes through to make it malleable involves the material being turned and then pressed to create a flexible but robust end product. The key to bamboo’s strength lies in the pressing process (to form boards) – which, when completed, creates a rigid com- posite of multiple strands. In buildings that may be affected by humidity, bamboo can
prove to be an invaluable material due its natural resistance to temperature and moisture levels. Upon the completion of pro- cessing, bamboo doesn’t expand or shrink, which means unlike
some materials it will retain the designer’s desired form and shape. Furthermore, bamboo can be treated with chemicals such as borax and boric acid (before it is machined into shape), which act as a fire retardant and insecticide respectively. Another quality that makes bamboo a practical alternative
to other hardwoods is the fact that the material can be lacquered, stained and painted in any colour. This versatility upon application means that a bamboo staircase can be adapted to suit a variety of interior designs – and not necessarily just spaces that already incorporate wood. However, due to the natural attractiveness that bamboo offers following the pressing process, many designers choose to embrace bamboo’s natural form by only adding a light lacquered finish.
Stainless steel In terms of metals, stainless steel leads the way in eco-friendly production, as it is entirely recyclable. This quality, combined with its flexibility, makes it a material integral in sustainable staircase design. Aesthetically, stainless steel is pleasing as well as versatile –
harmoniously combining with a variety of woods, stones and other metals in applications. In terms of management it’s almost maintenance-free, and unlike mild steel does not require fin- ishing such as powder coating. Stainless steel can be used to create a variety of a stair’s com-
ponents including treads, stringers and balustrades. However, in sustainable design – when combined with a bamboo staircase for example, it is the stair’s handrail where stainless steel is often used to give the project finishing touch.
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‘Bamboo is resilient and wear-resistant making it an ideal replace- ment for steel or concrete in a stair’s treads,
riser and strings’ Geoffrey Packer, EeStairs UK
staircase can potentially be a building’s most attractive landmark feature, with a variety of potential style and design options to meet the creative imagination of any
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