Stairs and Staircases in Architecture

A stairway, staircase, stairwell, flight of stairs, or simply stairs, is a construction designed to bridge a large vertical distance by dividing it into smaller vertical distances, called steps. Stairs may be straight, round, or may consist of two or more straight pieces connected at angles.

Special types of stairs include escalators and ladders. Some alternatives to stairs are elevators (also called lifts), stair lifts and inclined moving walkways.

              The figure above showing the different parts of a stairs.

Common Staircase Terms

Although this section has almost every conceivable term relating to staircases, we are quite sure that most of you are already familiar with some of these.

Steps Of A Staircase

You can think of this as a single unit of the staircase. Each of these units is made of a tread and a riser.

Tread And Riser

The Tread is the part you step on. On the other hand, the riser is the vertical portion between two consecutive treads.

Since a picture is worth a thousand words; we will not give you boring definitions about Tread Depth and Riser Height. Just have a look at the image below if you are interested in these terms.

A Flight Of Stairs

A continuous series of steps which are not interrupted by a landing or a platform is known as a flight of stairs.

Length Of Flights

The number of steps in a flight is its length. In case of commercial or assembly buildings, there is a requirement for the number of steps in a flight. It is limited to a maximum of 16 in a single flight.

Stringer Board Or Stringer

A stringer board or stringer is what provides support to the treads and risers of a standard staircase. In most cases, you will find three stringers. Two of the stringers will be on either side of the tread, while the last one is in the middle. If the treads are wider than usual, then more stringers are added as necessary.

Baluster 

A term for the vertical posts that hold up the handrail. Sometimes simply called guards or spindles. Treads often require two balusters. The second baluster is closer to the riser and is taller than the first. The extra height in the second baluster is typically in the middle between decorative elements on the baluster. That way the bottom decorative elements are aligned with the tread and the top elements are aligned with the railing angle.

Newel 

A large baluster or post used to anchor the handrail. Since it is a structural element, it extends below the floor and subfloor to the bottom of the floor joists and is bolted right to the floor joist. A half-newel may be used where a railing ends in the wall. Visually, it looks like half the newel is embedded in the wall. For open landings, a newel may extend below the landing for a decorative newel drop.

The figure above showing some types of stairs that has been used in architectural design stairs 

I will give an illustration idea for the structural of a stair. Now this is not advisable for all types of stairs structure. Again it is better to hire a professional Architect for your design requirements.

Hope this helps you to fully understand the importance of a stairs design in architecture. That brings our Staircase 101 to an end. Whether you are an expert builder, aspiring architect or someone looking to remodel your home, we hope that this article has helped you in one way or another.

If you have any suggestions, do let us know in the comment section below. We would love to hear from you.

Some Useful Information for Architectural Designing

A design is a plan or specification for the construction of an object or system or for the implementation of an activity or process, or the result of that plan or specification in the form of a prototype, product or process. The verb to design expresses the process of developing a design. In some cases, the direct construction of an object without an explicit prior plan (such as in craftwork, some engineering, coding, and graphic design) may also be considered to be a design activity. The design usually has to satisfy certain goals and constraints, may take into account aesthetic, functional, economic, or socio-political considerations, and is expected to interact with a certain environment. 

We will show you some Illustration and figures that shows the relationship of distances and space planning.

1. This shows the space relation of opening drawer and human activity.

distances must be observed.

2. On this illustration, it shows the standard dimension for kitchen counter with a hanging cabinet in relation to human activity.

3. This one shows the standard dimension and distances for Lavatory and mirror in relation to human height and activity.

4. On this illustration, it shows the standard dimension and space for kitchen counter on different human activity.

5. This illustration shows the standard height for shower head and shower control knob in relation to human body.

6. This one Shows the minimum dimension for the toilet under the stairs, Showing the human activity in relation to the height and distances.

7.This illustration shows the required distance of seating sofa in relation to the sizes of the television for proper viewing.

This are just some of useful information for architectural designing guides for student and other non architects who are making a DIY home renovation and decoration. Hope this help you a bit, but as i always said that it is better to hire a professional Architect to help and guide you in your home designing concerns. 

How to Find Distance by Leveling Machine For Non Survey Engineer-DIY

Preparing to measure
Setting up the total station over a ground point

1.Place the tripod approximately over the ground point. 

2.Inspect the tripod from various sides and correct its position so that the tripod plate is roughly horizontal and above the ground point (illustration, top left). 

3.Push the tripod legs firmly into the ground and use the central fixing screw to secure the instrument on the tripod. 

4.Switch on the laser plummet (or, for older instruments, look through the optical plummet) and turn the foot screws so that the laser dot or the optical plummet is centered on the ground point (illustration, top right). 

5. Center the bull’s-eye bubble by adjusting the lengths of the tripod legs (illustration below). 

6.After accurately leveling up the instrument, release the central fixing screw so that you can displace it on the tripod plate until the laser dot is centered precisely over the ground point. 

7.Tighten the central fixing screw again.

Measuring with the level

Measuring distances optically with the level

The reticle carries two stadia lines arranged symmetrically to the cross hair. Their spacing is such that the distance can be derived by multiplying the corresponding staff section by 100.

Line levelling

If the points A and B are widely separated, the height difference between them is determined by line levelling with target distances generally between 30 and 50 metres. Pace out the distances between the instrument and the two staffs; they need to be about the same. 

1. Set up the instrument at S1. 
2. Set up the staff precisely vertically at point B; read off and record the height (backsight R). 
3. Set up the staff at the turning point 1 (ground plate or prominent ground point); read off and record the height (foresight V). 
4. Set up the instrument at S2 (the staff remains at the turning point 1). 
5. Carefully rotate the staff at the turning point 1 so that it faces the instrument. 
6. Read off the backsight and continue.

Staking out point heights

In an excavation, a point B is to be set out at a height 
∆H = 1.00 metre below street level (Point A). 

1.Set up the level so that the sighting distances to A and B are about the same. 2.Set up the staff at A and read off the backsight R = 1.305. 
3.Set up the staff at B and read off the foresight V = 2.520. The difference h from the required height at B is calculated as: h = V – R - ∆H = 2.520 – 1.305 – 1.00 = +0.215m 
4.Drive in a post at B and mark the required height (0.215m above ground level).

It is a simple but useful way to calculate the distance by using machines. By viewing this vlog one can easily learn the technique and calculation. Hope this can help you in your DIY to find the distance in your project.

Lucky Colors for the year 2020 Affects House Decoration

Year 2020 is past approaching! One of the topics that concerns a lot of people is...What is the Lucky Color for next year 2020, the year of the Metal Rat?
As per Chinesezodiac.org. The lucky Color would be White and Blue.

White

White is associated with the business domain, but also health, and social relationships. It is the color that brings peace, induces calmness, and relaxation. It is recommended to wear white every time you feel overwhelmed, irascible, or anxious.

Blue

Blue is the color of trust, honesty, and loyalty. The blue color increases the capacity of immune protection, and it greatly facilitates cellular regeneration. Blue allows us to open up with enthusiasm towards everything that is elevated and wonderful around us. At the same time, it helps us live in full harmony in our entourage.

House Design in 2020

Colors such as White and blue are a challenge especially for interior when decorating the house of the office. They offer interesting contrasts and they are certainly contemporary colors. In 2019, these colors can be easily matched, if you know how to play with the tones, and also with the lights and shadows.

White on white for home decor

It could be one of the best solutions for interior design if we take into consideration a few details and rules, which transform a white on white room in an extremely versatile and elegant design.

A white on white room will tolerate and it will even require few accent colors. You can use any color or even more colors. It matches wonderfully with all the black and gray shades, it goes perfectly with shinny tones and it’s perfect for warm and vivid shades of red, green, orange, and blue. Everything must be used with measure because in a white on white room, any other color will become strong, intense and dominating.

Blue, ideal for a sophisticated decor

Pale blue is ideal for decorating the bedroom. For a “country house” air, use a dull paint, instead of a satin color, to gain an “antique” effect. You can also add a wallpaper with floral motifs.

Used in the living room and in the kitchen, Blue can be superbly matched with yellow, white or cream. For a more sophisticated decor, it can be mixed with purple or gray.

Blue has been an important color in art and decoration since ancient times. In ancient cultures, blue was associated with the sky and with divinity.

Before the 12th century, blue wasn’t used many times in paintings because it was the most expensive pigment. Its popularity began in the Middle Ages when painters started to paint blue clothing for the Virgin Mary and king, so blue became a holy and royal color.

Construction of Two Unit Manager's Villa

This is an update of the proposed two unit manager's villa. It is a twin unit one storey manager's villa. It has two bedroom each unit with toilet and bath on a master's bedroom unit and one common toilet and bath. It has also a Kitchen, Dining and a Living area. 

It is designed and built for the manager's accommodation villa. It has modern design and concept. Simple but comfortable to lived in. 

This two bedroom modern house design has a total floor area of 144 square meters.

Most of the color scheme used in this house are clean and light colors. For the window surroundings are white color has been used. For the walls a combination of white and light green around outside walls. White being the most dominant color here thereby making it more clean in aesthetic look.

The dining and Living Area

The Living Area

The Common Toilet and Bath

The Masters Bathroom

The Kitchen Area

Color Trends for the Year 2020

Color makes us feel good and attractive. Perhaps it’s no surprise this year, we are looking to counterbalance the cacophony of stresses that are an increasing factor of contemporary life. What is more, Expect 2020 to be an empowering year of change that will focus on people getting ready for the new decade. Below are the five color trends that We believe we’ll be seeing more of in 2020.

Main color for interior color for 2020 will be the shade of Coral Color.

Coral is a warm, vibrant yet mellow color between orange and pink. This hue is associated with optimism, conviviality and joy. A reaction against digital world, towards authenticity and experiences that enable connection and intimacy.  It also represents {of course} corals and more generally talking oceans. Consequently, it is a way to make us reflect about the “devastating” effect the society on the environment.

The color is linked to tactility and human connection so it’s perfect in shag rugs, cozy blankets and lush upholsteries to create a warm feeling in the home. Used as an accent on walls or furniture, living coral also adds a dramatic pop of color to any room setting.

Here are the samples for this color in combination with other color.

     1. Coral + Mint Green

         2. Coral + Blue

     

                3. Coral + Peach Cantalope

              

              4. Coral + Lilac & Ultra Violet

                            

         5. Coral + Mustard & Gold

Exploring how to match the Coral Color and which are its complimentary colors. I am quite sure that, among these colors, there are many other interesting hues we are going to see a lot in 2020. 

33 Types of Architectural Home Style

Styles therefore emerge from the history of a society and are documented in the subject of architectural history. At any time several styles may be fashionable, and when a style changes it usually does so gradually, as architects learn and adapt to new ideas. Styles often spread to other places, so that the style at its source continues to develop in new ways while other countries follow with their own twist. A style may also spread through colonialism, either by foreign colonies learning from their home country, or by settlers moving to a new land. After a style has gone out of fashion, there are often revivals and re-interpretations. For instance, classicism has been revived many times and found new life as neoclassicism. Each time it is revived, it is different.

Vernacular architecture works slightly differently and is listed separately. It is the native method of construction used by local people, usually using labor-intensive methods and local materials, and usually for small structures such as rural cottages. It varies from region to region even within a country, and takes little account of national styles or technology. As western society has developed, vernacular styles have mostly become outmoded by new technology and national building standards.

Building a custom home gives you complete control over every aspect of the design. There are dozens of architectural styles to base your custom home on, from historical approaches to modern interpretations. Look around the country and you will see nearly countless options. In the northeast, Colonial and Cape Cod style homes dominate neighborhoods, whereas you are more likely to see arts and craft cottages and ranches out west, and Greek revival homes down south. The beauty of creating your own custom home is that you can pick a style that matches your tastes and needs.

Here are the list of types of architectural Home Style that you can design for your dream home.

There are many considerations that go into what will work best for your home. Some climates are better suited for certain home designs, whether because the typical roof pitch is appropriate for a snowy winter or because the style’s quintessential courtyard offers those in sunny climates to enjoy indoor/outdoor living. You also want to consider the surrounding landscape and neighboring buildings when picking a dominant architectural style for your custom home. Work closely with your architect to find the perfect style for your custom home. A good architect can even mix and match aspects from styles that appeal to you.  

The difference Between Architect and Civil Engineer

Why there is always an immanent conflict on views and opinion between the Architect and Civil Engineer? What is the Difference of this two main profession in the designing and construction industry? Who should comes first, the Architect or the Civil Engineer? 

However, Architects and civil engineers do work on projects together. Though the tasks they each carry out are quite different.

If we are going to get the Definition of Architect and Civil Engineer from the dictionary, 

      Definition of architect

      1 :   a person who designs buildings and advises in their construction

      2 :    

the art or science of buildingspecifically : the art or practice of designing and building structures and especially habitable ones

Definition of civil engineer

1 : 

a person who designs public works, as roads, bridges, canals, dams, and harbors, or supervises their construction or maintenance.an engineer whose training or occupation is in the design and construction especially of public works. Generally from the dictionary definition, Architects are more focused on designing on Building Structures, Specially on habitable building.Civil Engineers are more focused on public works such as as roads, bridges, canals, dams, and harbors. 

 *this table shows the difference on their studied subjects

Importance of an Architect

• Designs of a building’s interior, functionality.
• Provide a solution to the interior space.
• Meet the client’s expectation on the function, aesthetic and quality.
• Come out with different option of space designs.
• Improves lifestyle by providing comfortable space.
• Affects how they interact with the interior environments on a daily basis.
• Affects how people move through spaces

Importance of a Civil Engineer

• it helps in proper management of material, labor and equipments.
• It helps in preparing construction schedule. Schedule is a systematic path of different activities carried out one after another.
• ensure the safety and well-being of the public
• Study the characteristics of materials, soil, wind incidence and destination of construction
• It gives guidelines regarding the execution of construction work to be carried out

   

 

Summary:

1- Architecture is more into the creativity of designs. Civil engineering focus on innovation to realize that design.

2- Architecture involves the design of structures with the focus on aesthetics and functionality. Civil engineering will not normally care about those things; Civil Engineers will rather deliberate and plan the methodology to construct the design.

3- Architecture initiates the project through architects’ drafts. Civil engineering involves studying drafts and examining the practicality of the design; civil engineers ensure that the design can withstand normal and extreme loading conditions.