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Design, Fabricate and install a feature stair case to a live premium retail space, replacing an escalator.
The Story
BBSF was tasked with detailing out a design intent of a feature stairs to replace an existing escalator. The retail space was high end and was to remain live with install only taking place out of hours. Working with closely with all stakeholders the substantial structure had to be design in a way to install quickly and easily with light equipment while meeting all essential engineering, regulatory and aesthetic demands.
BBSF thoroughly reviewed and suggested options that met all stakeholders requirements and a tight turnaround to create a stunning stair case that tied in to an existing fitout seamlessly.
The stairs was consisted of a mild steel structure base supporting folded trays filled with concrete to act as threads. The main frame was to be without any bracings for aesthetic reasons. Through much review and careful engineering models a solution was found that secretly tied the stairs in several locations. The threads needed to allow for concrete pour on site without leaks as the underside and edges were powder coated finish .
Glass balustrade and stainless handrails were installed and tied in to exiting landing sections, some of which needed to remain whihc required additional design and fabrication to allow for a seamless transition.
Why It Should Win
Highly complex in its combined elements of engineering, aesthetics, timeframe and site conditions of live retail unit within a shopping centre. This project pulled out all the stops using BBSF unique workflow to combine all stakeholders in a common sense manner to achieve a stunning feature stairs within budget and on site install of three nights.
Project Team
BBSF DX Contracting Garland Engineering Brown Thomas/Arnotts Blanchardstown Shopping Centre
Project Details
BBSF
Dublin
Arnotts
October 2025
#10108
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2026 Irish Steel Awards Finalist
Congratulations to BBSF for being Shortlisted for an Irish Steel Award!
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