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Asian Inspired Stairwell Barrier

comments (0) June 26th, 2009 in The Gallery     
toddclippinger toddclippinger, member
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The basic concept is based on the traditional torii gate design.
The clients desired a design that departed from the traditional newell posts and balusters handrail. The inspiration was triggered by the Asian graphic of a waterfall in the front door. We also laid this design in the floor tile.
The brushed steel is finished with an automotive acrylic and is capped off with solid black walnut.
Here you can see the MDF model on the right and I modeled new pieces on the actual steel frame once it was made. This was an on-going design process.
Install was technically very challenging. The corners do not meet and everything had to be plumb and square. The barrier is bolted through the floor and secured with backer plates from underneath.
The basic concept is based on the traditional torii gate design.

The basic concept is based on the traditional torii gate design.

Photo: Todd A. Clippinger
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This stairwell barrier is made of black walnut veneered panels, solid stock, brushed steel, and 1/2" tempered glass. It is bolted clear through the floor to backer plates underneath.

This is another element that I designed for the "Cooper House" which my brother and I built in Ohio. It is a prairie style house. 

The clients desired something "different" than the standard balusters and newell posts to keep people from falling down the stairwell.

My inspiration came from the Asian graphic for a waterfall in the front door, which we also laid 


Design or Plan used: My own design
posted in: The Gallery, , veneer, built-in, black walnut, Todd A. Clippinger, American Craftsman, stairwell barrier
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