8th & Figueroa Staircase - From concept to reality
We're excited to tell you about one of our coolest projects yet!
Let's dive into the amazing story behind it—how we got inspired by some unexpected things and turned a tricky architectural idea into an awesome design masterpiece.
From Concept to Crescendo
It all began with…
Sculpting the Stair
Upon initial review of Rottet Studios' concept, our team at Romano Studio, also known as M|R Walls immediately recognized an opportunity for enhancement. While the design was inspiring, we envisioned infusing it with the spirit of rock 'n' roll—something akin to the electrifying guitar solos of Led Zeppelin. Our goal was clear: to sculpt the design with carved texture and boldness, creating a stairway to architectural heaven.
Texture played a pivotal role
We added grit and character to the design, channeling the raw energy of rock music. Our first design pass was our only pass. No notes. No comments. We cast a massive array of algorithmically drawn CAD lines that spanned over a 1,500 square feet surface. And everyone loves it. Each element was distinctively sculpted yet seamlessly integrated. We had combined sculptural creativity with construction practicality.
Curvature is made easy
In the world of architecture, curves often pose logistical complexities. However, armed with our understanding of Corian's properties, M|R Walls devised a solution: the slice design.
By layering textured 1/4 inch Corian sheets over a set of pre-cut slices, we achieved fluid, organic curves that exude sophistication but were easily fabricated.
Tapered metal studs
As the project neared completion, the true beauty of our design emerged. Tapered metal studs formed the sturdy backbone, providing structural support for the graceful Corian slices.
Stair Treads
The material language continues from the free floating carved walls to the smooth Corian treads and risers of the stair.
Critical to safety, and perhaps a surprise to most in the building industry,
Corian meets the required slip resistance for flooring and stair treads.
Team work makes the stairs work
Despite the intricacies of large-scale construction, one curious challenge stood out—the logistics of maneuvering oversized components around complex scaffolding. This logistical puzzle required synchronized teamwork, as teams carefully navigated through the scaffold labyrinth to position large scale elements in place. This is a low-tech solution using an old-school technology… Team work.
Collaboration
Collaboration was the cornerstone of our success. Stuart Murkon, leading this project for Mitsui Fudosan, was surprised by the lack of unexpected challenges. Mario, at the helm for M|R Walls explained our meticulous planning, pre-building in the computer, plus the mock-up preemptively addressed all the potential installation issues. Much to developers and contractors' surprise, the installation was hassle-free.
Sculptural elegance
The design, fabrication and installation became a testament to computational design, artistry, and assembly. Each uniquely carved component seamlessly clad the metal substructure creating a sculpted stairway of musical proportion, infusing rhythm, texture, and a sculptural elegance.
A special shout-out goes to the visionary architects behind this project, Johnson Fain, based in Los Angeles, CA. Their innovative approach to design and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of architectural possibility provided the perfect foundation for our transformative staircase project.
Our endeavor to transform the visionary stair design at 8th and Figueroa in Los Angeles into a stunning architectural masterpiece was nothing short of monumental. From infusing the design with the raw energy of rock 'n' roll to navigating the logistical complexities of fabrication and installation; this large-scale project exemplified the power of creativity, collaboration, and innovation in shaping the built environment.
Inspire, provoke, and revolutionize through design. Let’s do something memorable, together.