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Project Overview
Blackburn & Co. Ltd was appointed by a valued repeat client, Maris Interiors, to deliver a complex package of structural steelwork and architectural metalwork within an existing commercial building in Farringdon. The project involved creating a new interconnecting feature staircase between the 7th and 8th floors, alongside significant structural alterations to accommodate a new floor void.
The works were carried out within a live building environment, requiring careful planning, precise execution, and strict adherence to noise restrictions.
Scope of Works
Our scope included the survey, design, fabrication, and installation of:
- Trimming steelwork to support a newly formed floor void
- Reinforcement plates welded to existing castellated beams
- A bespoke feature staircase connecting the 7th and 8th floors
- Frameless glass balustrades to the staircase flights and landing void
All installation works were required to be completed during night shifts due to noise restrictions within the building.
Design & Fabrication
The trimming steelwork was designed to support the new floor opening, with reinforcement plates welded to the webs of the existing castellated beams to ensure they were capable of supporting the new loads. The trimming steels were fabricated in spliced sections, allowing safe transportation from street level to the upper floors before final assembly.
The staircase design presented a particular challenge, as the client requested a clean, minimalist aesthetic with no visible support posts. To achieve this, a bespoke cradle was designed and fixed to the steelwork above, providing hidden structural support to the staircase landing.
The staircase flights were designed with glass balustrades installed within metal tracks fixed to the sides of the stringers. The balustrade surrounding the landing void was also frameless glass, housed within a track fixed to the structural steel so that the top track was concealed below the finished floor level (FFL). All glass panels were capped with a ‘U’-shaped metal profile to protect exposed edges.
Installation & Outcome
Due to noise restrictions, all works were carefully programmed and carried out during night shifts. The installation process was logistically demanding, particularly for the staircase, which had to be transported piece by piece up the existing stair core by our site team.
To maintain the seamless appearance required by the client, the staircase stringers were fabricated as single, unspliced elements, avoiding any visible connection lines. The frameless glass balustrades were challenging to install due to their precision requirements, but were fitted successfully to achieve the desired high-end finish.
The completed works delivered a striking, structurally sound staircase and a safe, compliant new floor void, meeting both the functional and aesthetic objectives of the project. The client was extremely pleased with the outcome.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates Blackburn & Co. Ltd’s ability to deliver technically complex structural steel and architectural metalwork solutions within occupied commercial buildings. Through innovative design, careful coordination, and expert installation, we successfully delivered a high-quality feature staircase and structural modifications that met demanding architectural and operational requirements.
For more information on Commercial Fit-Out Structural Steel & Bespoke Staircase talk to Blackburn & Co Ltd