Carbon staircase for headoffice Teijin Aramid

Many existing buildings on the former AkzoNobel site in Arnhem have been extensively renovated and modernized. C5, one of the former research buildings, now houses the head office of Teijin Aramid BV. A striking eye-catcher in the central hall is the 8-meter long staircase, made of clear coat carbon.

Teijin Aramid and Holland Composites previously worked together successfully: on the creation of the new facade of the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam. This facade also consists of carbon/aramid composite. As a result of this collaboration, Teijin Aramid asked us to produce a staircase for their new head office in Arnhem, using their own fibers.

Honored by this request, we, together with our regular engineering firm Solico and in collaboration with construction company BAM, brought the beautiful design of APTO Architects to life in this magnificent result. The carbon / aramid fibers of Teijin Aramid are characterized by the unique weaving style. In combination with the bamboo steps and the carbon handrails, the staircase forms a true feature in the middle of the entrance of the new head office.

Typical characteristics of carbon composite are the light weight in combination with enormous construction stiffness. This made it possible to transport the entire staircase, including carbon handrails and bamboo steps, from our factory in Lelystad to Arnhem and assemble it in the head office that was almost ready at that time.

The thorough preparation with construction company BAM with regard to coordination of connections to the floor and anchoring of the mezzanine floor, led to a smooth assembly process. The mirrored clear-coat carbon finished staircase, which would not look out of place in a superyacht of any size, is now on display in the new and completely renovated head office of Teijin Aramid in Arnhem.

Also read the article in trade journal Bouwen in het Oosten about the special renovation of the former Akzo building C5 into the head office of Teijin Aramid BV.