Alghanim Ind., Al-Hamra Tower [KW]

EeStairs + SOM | London + Pace Architecture Engineering + Planning

This staircase rises through the office floors of the Al-Hamra Tower in Kuwait City, one of the tallest and most technically ambitious buildings in the region. With a width of 1.8 metres and an integrated mid-landing, the stair makes a direct and imposing connection between levels. Yet the apparent clarity of its form masks a complex series of structural and logistical challenges, made more acute by the building's near-complete status during installation.

Access limitations meant that all components had to be transported via elevators. To maintain both quality and speed of installation, EeStairs proposed a hybrid approach: the main structural stringers are fabricated in steel, allowing for accurate on-site welding, while the outer faces are clad in stainless steel covers. These cover joints, rather than being concealed, are deliberately expressed as part of the visual language—subtle but precise seams that enhance the sculptural presence of the stair.

The treads were specified in terrazzo. The void balustrades and feature wall reinforce the clarity of the space: Extra Clear glass ensures visual transparency, while the structural wall elements, clad in reflective black glass, provide a crisp counterpoint to the stair’s brushed steel.