New Children's Hospital, Concourse Stairs Balustrades

Leaf Pattern Balustrade – Design Narrative The Leaf Pattern Balustrade was carefully developed for the building’s key focal and access points, inspired by organic leaf structures and reimagined as a contemporary architectural feature through precise design and fabrication. Realising this vision required a detailed development process.

The bespoke motif flows continuously across each balustrade panel, creating a cohesive visual rhythm along the staircases. Although the pattern may initially appear random, it is intentionally composed—every panel is unique, and the transition between them is seamless by design. The pattern comprises three distinct hole sizes, laid out manually rather than algorithmically.

Every perforation was individually placed to form a refined, cohesive design across the three main stair cores. To preserve the visual clarity of the design, bespoke balustrade posts with concealed fixings were engineered. A hidden-fixing system was also developed for attaching the panels, allowing the pattern to remain uninterrupted by structural elements.

Meeting fire ratings, construction tolerances, and installation access requirements posed significant challenges. These were overcome through close coordination, detailed refinement, and collaboration across all involved teams. The final result is both sculptural and functional.

Natural light from the overhead glass biomes filters through the stair voids, enhancing the elegance of the balustrade and drawing users toward the roof gardens and play spaces. Though complex in execution, the staircases offer a clean, inviting architectural experience that elevates the building as a whole.