Each step is cantilevered from the wall relying on precision anchoring for its support

CoorItalia took the architectural drawings to refine the functionality and produce the shop drawings. Given the elliptical shape of the staircase it meant that each step was totally unique

Paper templates are laid out on showroom floor

Solid templates are then cut and sent to Italy to match against fabrication

The limestone blocks are cut to initial size and selected for color match

After carving two holes are drilled. The step will then inserted over the two metal rods which are cantilevered on the wall and will support the weight

Tolerances are measured

and each step is measured against the template

The steps are then "mocked-up" before they leave the factory

labeled for installation

A base step ready for shipping

Once they are at the job site they are laid out for installation

The stairs after installation

ELLIPTICAL STAIRCASE

CASE STUDY

This was a highly complex project - the Architectural firm BAR had designed an elliptical cantilevered staircase in wired brushed Portuguese limestone. CoorItalia worked with the architects and General Contractor in the USA first, to come up with the templates, and with the laboratory in Italy to come up with the Shop Drawings. These were then manufactured in Italy, assembled in mockups, disassembled and shipped to the job site for final installation.

The end result is spectacular - a true example of the staircase as a lifting focal point in a home. But the triumph was also in taking exacting design and construction requirements (the tolerances for the treads to fit over the cantilevered rods were extremely tight) and making everything just fit perfectly.

Builder: Ryan Associates
Architect: BAR Architects
Products Featured: Staircases