Commercial
Lobby Feature Staircase
A sculptural floating staircase featuring black anodized cladded stringers, warm wood treads, and seamlessly integrated lighting to create a clean and elevated architectural centerpiece. The design is complemented by a frameless glass guardrail at both the stair and upper floor opening, maintaining openness and transparency throughout the space. A stainless steel cane detection rail was carefully incorporated to provide subtle, code-compliant safety without compromising the minimalist aesthetic, resulting in a refined balance of craftsmanship, functionality, and modern architectural design.
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Location
UBS Tower, Chicago
Scope
- Feature stair
- Custom railings
- Finish mockups
Materials
- Steel
- Brass
- Low-iron glass
About this project
A sculptural floating staircase anchors the space, combining precision fabrication with refined architectural detailing. The system features black anodized cladded stringer and underside panels that create a clean, monolithic appearance, paired with warm wood treads for contrast and comfort underfoot. Integrated linear lighting is seamlessly embedded within the structure, accentuating the stair and emphasizing the stair's floating effect. A frameless glass guardrail system extends along the staircase and upper opening, preserving transparency and allowing light to move freely through the space. At the underside of the stair, a stainless steel cane detection rail is incorporated for both safety and accessibility of the space without compromising the minimalist design intent. The installation also required significant structural coordination, including the careful cutting of the existing concrete floor to connect two levels, as well as the design and installation of steel reinforcement within the high-rise structure to support the new architectural opening and staircase system.
Completed 2025