Parametric staircase

Parametric staircase

This bespoke timber staircase stands at the entrance of 3D-milling expert Doornekamp Woodspecials in Waddinxveen. Parametric tools proved ideal for designing its organic form. For this project, we developed a Grasshopper script to generate the steps and balusters, transforming their shapes from top to bottom. Rhino’s SubD functionalities enabled the creation of a polysurface tailored to this unique design. The staircase exemplifies the synergy between parametric design and digital fabrication. Spline modeling with SubD aligned perfectly with the capabilities of the 5-axis milling machine. Supported by a steel frame within its wooden envelope, the staircase maintains remarkable stiffness and remains vibration-free despite its slender profile.

 

Project name       Parametric staircase
Project by         Studio RAP Rotterdam
Partners           Doornekamp Woodspecials
Scope              Design + 3D modeling
Parametric tools   Rhino Grasshopper and Rhino SubD 
Fabrication        CNC milling with 5-axis milling machine
Date               January 2021
Location           Waddinxveen The Netherlands

The staircase has a parametric design approach. Every step is morphed according to a curve to make the staircase flow. The staircase becomes more dynamic, because of these organic curved shapes. Modeling this slender shape was a fine line between overall stiffness of the staircase and weightless appearance.      

The timber staircase is suported by a steel frame. It is anchord in a steel plate inside the wall. All the steps are connected trough the ballustrade to increase the stiffnes of the structure. Wallking on it creates almost no vibrations because of this extra fixation. All steps are different size and therefore the connection at the ballustrade is also in different angles. This was no problem for the parametric design workflow and automated milling works.