Commercial Staircase Compliance and Why It’s Important

Commercial Staircase Compliance and Why It’s Important

With new commercial staircases becoming the more critically defining statement within a building, staircase designs have become even more complex and extraordinary. There is a common denominator throughout each newly designed stair, and that is compliance to the NCC (National Construction Code; formerly the BCA) and AS (Australian Standards).

The NCC was established nearly 50 years ago and has since undergone numerous reforms and amendments not only to keep relevant and to maintain national consistency but to also support modern methods of construction and materials.

While it seems like compliance to the codes and standards restricts design freedoms, having these compliances in place is really a good thing. Indeed, the goal of the NCC is “to enable the achievement of nationally consistent, minimum necessary standards of relevant, health, and safety objectives efficiently”.

Therefore, as the NCC and the Australian Standards set parameters in place with which a designer needs to adhere to, it will greatly benefit the result. Not only does it have the safety of its users in mind, but appreciably affects the stair user-experience. This is particularly noted with respect to stair tread and riser dimensions and handrail heights where a minimum and maximum is given for each. This is amplified where curved or helical stairs are a consideration with the maximum and minimum riser configuration limits being put to the test within the same flight; this being the inner side of the stair being tight and steep and the outer side of the stair being slow and gentle.

That being said, keeping to the bare minimum or the maximum requirements is not recommended as this could cause issues when a stair gets to the fabrication or installation stage. Site conditions won’t always be perfect, and neither will the finishes, so it is always recommended to allow for some tolerance to avoid risk of breaking the permissible limits.

It is important that all aspects of stair designs are given careful consideration and expert advice should be sought wherever possible to ensure all code requirements are satisfied.

 Active Metal Stair Design Consultancy

Active Metal stair design consultancy is a collaborative engagement method that capitalizes on the benefits of an early design process with the client, design consultant and extending into a novation to the construction teams to improve constructability and reduce overall time and cost. Addressing concerns early in the design process enables the project’s key stakeholders to proactively develop a strategic plan for the building tenancies and occupation.

Active Metal are the leaders in innovative stair design in Australia wide and would love to work with you on your next project. If you have a current project need, or just want some stair related questions answered, please reach out to the team today!