Saint Louis University

School of Engineering and Architecture

[RSW-PR-01: STAIRS DESIGN]

AR 1211 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 2

BY

2232591 BAYO, AUBREY ROSE B.

[JANUARY 31, 2023]

[Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a summary of the contents of the
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RSW-PR-01: STAIRS DESIGN
STUDENT NO. 2232591 1/31/2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION (CHAPTER HEADING, all caps, TIMES NEW ROMAN, bold,

font size: 14 pts, left aligned, PAGE BREAK BEFORE)

1.1 History of Stairs (Subheading 1, Sentence case, Times New Roman, Bold, Font Size: 12,
Left
1.2 Laws Related to Stairs
1.2.1 Definition of Terms
1.2.2 Laws
1.3 Type of Stairs
1.3.1 Straight Stairs

1.4 Dimensions

2 FINDINGS
3 REFERENCES
4 ANNEX

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INTRODUCTION
1.1 History of Stairs

The creation of the stairs is difficult to date precisely, however, it is believed that they appeared about
the year 6000 BCE. The stair is one of the first architectural constructions, and steps have always been
important to the development of humanity. As architectural eras changed, the stairs' forms changed as
well, reflecting the era's styles and the talent of those who designed them.

The original steps were created from wood trunks that had been joined together to make stairs (as
seen in the image below). They used these stairs to get to a strategic altitude in order to survive.

Stairs in the
height of the art of building stairs. Peter Nicholson created a
mathematical system for stairs and railings, introducing the craft of
building stairs to woodworkers and metalworkers. Eva Jiricna began
creating glass and stainless-steel stairs in London towards the end of
1980, giving the steps a streamlined and futuristic appearance.
Today, it is becoming more and more usual to abandon the traditional
materials of iron and wood in favor of others like titanium, glass, and
stainless steel.

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1.2 Laws Related to Stairs

1.2.1 Definition of Terms

Stairs – a structure that divides a large vertical distance between lower and higher levels into smaller
vertical distances

Treads – the horizontal portion of a set of stairs on which a person walks

Rise - height between consecutive treads

Landing - level floor or platform constructed at a location where the direction of stairs changes,

Winders - the triangular or wedge-shaped steps, used for changing directions

Headroom - it is the vertical distance between the line: of nosing and this under surface or ceiling of
the staircase or the next flight.

1.2.2 Laws

The following laws are from the National Building Code of the Philippines or otherwise known as
PD 1096.

1.1.1 Stairways. Every stairway serving any building or portion thereof shall conform to the following
requirements of this Code except stairs or ladders used only to attend equipment.
1.1.2 Width. Stairways serving an occupant load of more than 50 shall be not less in width than 1.12
meters (3 feet, 8 inches). Stairways serving an occupant load of 50 less maybe 90 centimeters (3
feet) wide. Private stairways serving an occupant load less than 10 maybe 75 centimeters (2 feet,
6 inches) wide. Trim and handrails shall not reduce the required width may more than 9
centimeters (3-1/2 inches).
1.1.3 Rise and run. The rise of every step in a stairway shall not exceed 19 centimeters (7-1/2 inches)
and the run shall not be less than 25 centimeters (10 inches). Except as provided under paragraph
(d) the maximum variations in the height of risers and the width of treads in any one flight shall
be 5 millimeters (3-1/2 inch): Except, that in private stairways serving an occupant load of less
than 10, the rise may be 20 centimeters (8 inches) and run maybe 23 centimeters (9 inches).
1.1.4 Winding Stairway. In Group A Occupancies and private stairways in Group B Occupancies,
winders may be used if the required width of the run is provided at a point not more than 30
centimeters (12 inches) from the side of the stairway where the treads are the narrower, but in no
case shall any width of the run be less than 15 centimeters (6 inches) at any point.
1.1.5 Circular Stairways. Circular stairs may be used as an exit provided the minimum width of the run
is not less than 25 centimeters (10 inches). All treads in any one flight between landing shall have
identical dimensions within a 5-millimeters (3/16-inch) tolerance.
1.1.6 Landings. Every landing shall have a dimension measured in the direction of travel equal to the
width of the stairway. Such dimension need not exceed 1.20 meters (4 feet) when the stair has a
straight run. Landings, when provided shall not be reduced in width by more than 9.3 centimeters
(3-1/2 inches) by a door when fully open.
1.1.7 Basement Stairways. Where a basement stairway and stairway to an upper story terminate in the
same exit enclosure, an approved barrier shall be provided to prevent persons from continuing
into the basement. Directional exit signs shall be provided as specified in this Code.

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1.1.8 Distance Between Landings. There shall be no more than 3.65 meters (12 feet) vertically between
landings.
1.1.9 Handrails. Stairways shall have handrails on each side, and every stairway required to be more
than 3.00 meters (9 feet) in width shall be provided with not less than one intermediate handrail
for every 3.00 meters (9 feet of required width. Intermediate handrails shall be spaced
approximately equal to the entire width of the stairway. Handrails shall be placed not less than 75
centimeters (2 feet, 6 inches) nor more than 85 centimeters (2 feet, 10 inches) above the nosing of
threads, and ends of handrails shall be returned or shall terminate in newel posts or safety
terminals: Except, in the following cases: Stairways 1.12 meters (3 feet, 8 inches or less in width
and stairway serving one individual dwelling unit in Group A or B Occupancies may have one
handrail, except that such stairway open on one or both sides shall have handrails provided on the
open side or sides; or stairways having less four than four risers need not have handrails.
1.1.10 Stairway to Roof. In every building more than two stories in height, one stairway shall extend to
the roof surface, unless the roof has a slope greater than 1 in 3.
1.1.11 Headroom. Every required stairway shall have a headroom clearance of not less than 2.00 meters
(6 feet, 8 inches). Such clearance shall be established by measuring vertically from a plane
parallel and tangent to the stairway tread nosing to the soft above all points.

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1.4 Types of Stairs

1.3.1 Straight Stairs

Stairs that have no direction changes are said to be straight. It is among

the most typical stair styles to be seen in both residential and commercial
buildings. Due to their simplicity, these staircases go very well with homes
that have a minimalist style. However, this form of staircase does not
provide the privacy barriers that other stair types do between a home's
levels.

1.3.2 L-shaped Stairs

A landing is typically added at the transition point to create the

L-shaped stair, which is a version of the straight stair with a curve.
Although it need not necessarily be 90 degrees, this bend frequently has
that angle. This offers a visible barrier between floors, offering some
seclusion, unlike the straight stairs. The steps may be in a room's corner
and may be visually appealing.

1.3.3 U-shaped Stairs

U-shaped stairs consist of two parallel flights of straight steps

connected by a landing that turns the walk line 180 degrees.
Although U-shaped stairs might sometimes be simpler to include in
an architectural plan, they can be more challenging to construct than
other kinds of stairs.

1.3.4 Winder Stairs

A version of an L-shaped stair, winder stairs include pie-shaped or

triangular steps at the corner transition in a place of a level landing. Compared to
many other types of staircases, this kind takes up less room. It is normal to need
central support, just like with L-shaped stairs.

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1.3.5 Spiral Stairs

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The treads of spiral stairs radiate around a central pole and often have a highly compact design
that follows a helical arc. On beachfront decks, where space is at a premium, they are especially
popular. For the same reason, they are widely employed in city lofts.

1.3.6 Cantilever Stairs

The stair treads of cantilever stairs are designed to look as though they are
floating in midair. A stair stringer, which may be displayed or concealed, will be
fastened to one end of the treads. Any area gains character and openness with
cantilever staircases. The weight and possible torque must be taken into
consideration when designing tread supports. Due to added structural demands,
cantilever steps are more expensive than a normal mono-stringer staircase.

1.3.7 Curved Stairs

Curved stairs also

circle and have a significantly greater radius. Any home or establishment looks
elegant with curved steps. They are nearly always found at the entrance
because that is where they leave the best first impression.

1.3.8 Split Staircase (Bifurcated)

Split stairs, often referred to as bifurcated stairs, usually begin

with a wide flight of stairs at the bottom and finish at a landing
midway up the flight. At the landing, the staircase was divided into two
shorter runs of steps going in opposing directions. It is usually utilized
as a grand entry in large residences or business structures. However,
split stairs require a significant amount of space.

1.5 Dimensions

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FINDINGS
 It's me, hi! I'm the problem, it’s me. At tea time, everybody agrees then I'll stare directly at the sun
but never into the mirror. It must be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero.

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REFERENCES
Images

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.studiodk.com%2Fblog%2F%2F10-
popular-staircase-styles-and-staircase-glossary-of-
terminology&psig=AOvVaw0mQDgwD1cOghaaDLsd6UYV&ust=1675047405026000&source=images
&cd=vfe&ved=0CA0QjRxqFwoTCIjNlpXk6_wCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.housingware.com%2Fproduct%2F310-
152.html&psig=AOvVaw2M_93sJtykGa-95Ou_Lx-
m&ust=1675048325681000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CA0QjRxqFwoTCJjqv-
Xn6_wCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcbmmart.com%2Fshop%2Fhome-u-shaped-
staircase
%2F&psig=AOvVaw0bct65LeMSPFyELzfXWFE9&ust=1675048985033000&source=images&cd=vfe&
ved=0CA0QjRxqFwoTCODPv4nq6_wCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.stairsupplies.com%2Fcompleted-projects
%2Fproject-
121%2F&psig=AOvVaw2FXTHy20lC_ybxr_FwsRpW&ust=1675049498802000&source=images&cd=v
fe&ved=0CA0QjRxqFwoTCLjtifzr6_wCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.homedit.com%2Fwhat-you-need-to-
know-about-spiral-staircases
%2F&psig=AOvVaw2Usb1jbcRgo4fJ5c4FZd1e&ust=1675050015576000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved
=0CA0QjRxqFwoTCNCQl9_t6_wCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdesignedstairs.com%2Fstairs-gallery-
curved.php&psig=AOvVaw3YG-
h4Df19iqvGQE3ix3GH&ust=1675050103988000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CA0QjRxqFwoTCO
DXxYju6_wCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAI

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrevych.ua%2Fen%2Fproduct%2FFinished-
Stairs%2Fcantilever-stairs%3Fproduct_id
%3D1315&psig=AOvVaw2Xp2B8Sl8DgxKmrTZqHQ75&ust=1675050214862000&source=images&cd
=vfe&ved=0CA0QjRxqFwoTCMjKpL_u6_wCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAI

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.re-thinkingthefuture.com
%2Farchitectural-styles%2Fa2975-9-types-of-staircases
%2F&psig=AOvVaw3GkAIcc4zh3D4hTEJsG4M2&ust=1675050291801000&source=images&cd=vfe&
ved=0CA0QjRxqFwoTCJD0t-nu6_wCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fpin
%2F800374165009867727%2F&psig=AOvVaw1B21eZuQk7SE1KrBb2yuAu&ust=1675050359125000
&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CA0QjRxqFwoTCKCEvYrv6_wCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD

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https://www.google.com/url?
sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjht5qi_uv8AhXaqlYBHeu
PAwEQFnoECDEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dpwh.gov.ph%2FDPWH%2Ffiles%2Fnbc
%2FPD.pdf&usg=AOvVaw3fpArH2x1H8QfLpwre9Fgh

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ANNEX

1.2.4 Tables and figures

Please make use of the following table and figure examples. Number your tables starting from Table 1
and your figures starting from Figure 1. Make sure that explanations of the tables and figures are written
in the series] text. Make your table and figure titles describe succinctly what is presented in the table.

Table 1 Table title

Source: Source

Figure 1 Figure title

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