A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Whilst stone cantilevered staircases are occasionally addressed in the literature, historic timber cantilevered stairs appear to have been ignored. However, they demonstrate a remarkable refinement of this type of stair, resulting in a design which is exceptionally elegant and structurally efficient, yet which was also relatively easy to construct. This paper briefly reviews the history of cantilevered staircases and how they work. Using the results of a borescope survey, it then examines the detailed construction of a surviving example of a timber cantilevered staircase in a property built around 1800 in Aberdeen. This survey shows how the design had developed to an integrated, minimal structural form where all of the components contribute to the structural system. In relation to the preservation of such staircases, it is therefore important to understand that any repair or replacement of elements which may appear superficial can affect the overall integrity of their structure.
Whilst stone cantilevered staircases are occasionally addressed in the literature, historic timber cantilevered stairs appear to have been ignored. However, they demonstrate a remarkable refinement of this type of stair, resulting in a design which is exceptionally elegant and structurally efficient, yet which was also relatively easy to construct. This paper briefly reviews the history of cantilevered staircases and how they work. Using the results of a borescope survey, it then examines the detailed construction of a surviving example of a timber cantilevered staircase in a property built around 1800 in Aberdeen. This survey shows how the design had developed to an integrated, minimal structural form where all of the components contribute to the structural system. In relation to the preservation of such staircases, it is therefore important to understand that any repair or replacement of elements which may appear superficial can affect the overall integrity of their structure.
Historic Timber Cantilever Staircases
Begg, Paul (author)
Journal of Architectural Conservation ; 13 ; 57-67
2007-01-01
11 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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