Plus Ultra, Leiden [NL]

EeStairs + Architectenbureau cepezed b.v.

The architects cepezed are well-known for designing in a pure Modernist manner, especially when working with glass and steel. The key word is ‘clarity’, as can be seen in the structural and architectural details of this big life sciences headquarters in Leiden in the Netherlands.

cepezed asked us to supply four staircases – three of which zig-zag down the levels of the atrium. The key demand was that these steel stairs would have no obvious bolts or other fixing details. So we made each staircase in large, simple to connect sections and then craned them into the atrium from the roof. Our steel-framed glass balcony balustrades add to the architectural clarity.

The architects also wanted escape staircase with treads that are very quiet underfoot. Our NextGen™ stairs were ideal: the sleek EeStairs-designed aerofoil treads are quiet because of their integral sound-damping cores. Another NextGen™ benefit is that they are a modular system and can be installed very rapidly.