We turn our gaze upon stairs, a rudimentary machine known as an inclined plane. Yes, I am referring to the triumph of engineering that allows us to easily and almost effortlessly transition between stories. Today we look at stairway progress in the icehouse.
When ascending or descending a staircase, do you ever consider the structure and finish upon which you tread? The framing is stout and reliable, the dimensions precisely dictated by building regulations and aesthetics, the handrail and head clearance code compliant but also intuitive and comfortable, and the constituent parts so well integrated that they cease to be treads and risers and balusters and become a single element as familiar and user friendly as countless others you’ve trafficked over a lifetime.
Although the structural undergirding for the icehouse stairs has been in place for a few months, the finished staircase is just now beginning to pull the parts together. New stairway progress includes installation of stair treads and risers, and preparation for the riser lights that will subtly illuminate the treads after dark. With half of the staircase complete, attention turns to the treads and risers above the midway landing and installation of scotia molding at the junction of risers and treads.
Baserails, balusters, and handrails will complete the incremental assembly, completing the simple machine which likely go mostly unnoticed after completion. Despite its central location. Despite its vital utility. Its many parts will have become one. And it will be taken for granted. Perhaps. Perhaps not…
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