Internal staircase of the Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences

Collaboration: studio Y 
(general designer of the building)

The staircase space forms the main vertical and horizontal communication hub throughout the new building of the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences. In an effort to illuminate the entire space with upper skylights, the staircase is designed as a very lightweight structure, complemented by glass landings and railings. The stair stringers are made of steel plates cut by water jet into a folded shape, supplemented with treads made of stainless steel grating. The grating is also used as infill for the landings and parts of the area near the elevators.
The main landing at the elevators is glass, supported on extended structures of the stair stringers and cross elements of the same cross-section as the stringers. The glass is printed with an anti-slip graphic raster.
The railing consists of continuous vertical stainless steel cables in the pattern of the stair treads, supplemented with stainless steel handrails and sections made of glass. The cables are anchored to the building's structure and tensioned by anchors located on the basement floor.