2013 Design Biennial Boston, BSA Space, Helix Stair

As with their past projects, SGH and Matter Design collaborated to integrate design, analysis, and fabrication of Helix. We developed quality models allowing for a near seamless transition from architectural modeling to structural analysis to fabrication. Our team used the models to rapidly assess concepts and finalize construction details.

From the Matter Design models, SGH created finite element analysis models to evaluate the cantilevered, unreinforced concrete steps as individual pieces and grouped assemblies. We determined that each step could support its own weight and the weight of a few steps above, but each sequentially lower step could not support the increasing weight of the whole assembly above. Working together, SGH and Matter Design developed an adjustable clamping detail to affix each stair to the central threaded rod so that each step primarily supported its own weight. To overcome the installation’s tendency to twist upon itself due to the rotating center of mass along the height, we developed a hidden shear-key that prevented the stairs from sliding across each other.

SGH also consulted on the concrete mix design and fabrication of the steps. In SGH’s laboratory, the design team mixed concrete, formed the steps in molds manufactured by Matter Design, and cured the concrete in SGH’s curing chamber. We then tested sample individual steps and stacked-step assemblies to validate the analytical model.