U Step: A Revolution in Staircase Design

Designer Bora Yildirim's Innovative Approach to Staircase Construction

The uniqueness of U Step lies in its formation rather than its design. Unlike traditional staircases that rely on a side anchor wall for support, U Step is formed by interlocking two u-shaped square box profile pieces of different dimensions. This innovative approach allows the staircase to support its own weight, eliminating the need for a side anchor wall below certain dimensions. The modularity of the design also allows for a variety of forms, dimensions, colors, and materials to be used, providing a wide range to meet different space requirements and demands.

U Step is constructed using steel square box profiles for the stair stringer and wood for the treads. However, the design is flexible enough to accommodate other materials such as glass, aluminum, or other metals like mesh for the treads. The technical specifications of the design include a tread width of 30cm, length of 120cm, and thickness of 3cm for wood, with a riser height of 16cm and a stair stringer of 5cmx5cm steel square box profile.

The staircase is self-supporting and requires fixing only to the ceiling and the floor. The interlocking u-shaped profiles are alternated in horizontal and vertical arrangements to achieve self-support. The components of the stair are made out of flat and small parts, simplifying transport and on-site installation. This design was developed between December 2017 and February 2018.

During the design phase, Yildirim investigated various stair designs and applications. He observed that most staircases require on-site production due to structural constraints and to ensure that the staircase will fit and function as desired. This often results in a loss of time. U Step addresses this issue by being made up of modular parts that can be manufactured in advance, reducing the time required for on-site assembly.

One of the main challenges Yildirim faced during the design process was finding a unique solution that hadn't been explored before. Despite this, he was able to create a staircase that is not only functional but also innovative in its design and construction. The U Step staircase is a testament to Yildirim's creativity and innovation, and it is no surprise that it was awarded the Golden A' Building Materials and Construction Components Design Award in 2018. This prestigious award is granted to outstanding creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.

In conclusion, U Step by Bora Yildirim is a revolutionary staircase design that combines simplicity, modularity, and resource efficiency. Its unique formation allows it to support its own weight, eliminating the need for a side anchor wall and offering a wide range of customization options. This innovative approach to staircase design not only simplifies the construction process but also reduces the time and resources required, making it a truly groundbreaking design in the field of architecture.