Glulam Grand Staircase Pre-Assembly

One of the most visually stunning features of the Quinnipiac University student center is the glulam and timber grand staircase. The staircase is so complicated to fabricate, that we are pre-fitting everything in our plant before shipping it to the jobsite.

The first phase of pre-assembly is happening now, as the glulam stringers, landings, and support posts are being fabricated. A large area of our plant floor is now dedicated to the assembly of the grand staircase so it can be assembled exactly as it will be in the field. The staircase is particularly complicated because each spiral stringer has a different radius and a different radial work point, creating a dramatic splayed shape.

Our drafting department used its expertise in 3D modeling to make the staircase a virtual reality, and now our fabrication expertise will make it a physical reality.

Here are some photos of the staircase work so far. We will post more as it progresses.