Moreelsepark, Utrecht [NL]

EeStairs + EGM architecten bv | Dordrecht

Moreelsepark, located on the edge of the city park and just a short walk from Utrecht Central Station, is a former courthouse transformed by EGM Architects into a contemporary office environment. The new staircase by EeStairs forms the central feature of this renovation: a sculptural wooden straight staircase that complements the existing monumental stairwell with a strong contemporary gesture, connecting the ground floor to the lower lobby.

The technical essence of this staircase lies in the delicate balance between structural stiffness and the seamless cladding of steel with bamboo. The thick steel balustrade plates also act as the structural stringers, making it possible to clad the balustrade with just 19mm plywood topped with bamboo. The smooth transition of the staircase into the parquet floor of the basement – where it was a challenge to perfectly match the bamboo’s colour with the existing floor – required an exceptional level of material control, but was achieved with precision and success.

What makes this staircase exceptional is the integrity between design, material, and execution. The entire staircase was installed in one piece using a crane, a feat made possible through early coordination between EeStairs, the architect, and the contractor. The handrail, built from a welded U-profile and fully clad in curved bamboo, demonstrates not only craftsmanship but also a deep understanding of material consistency. The result is a staircase that is both monumental and subtle – a perfect synthesis of classical structure and contemporary precision.