16. Sculptural Floating Concrete Stair Entryways
Introduction & Concept Meaning
Floating concrete steps offer a modern approach to entryway access. Cantilevered or stepped over recessed risers with under-tread LED lighting, these heavy architectural elements appear weightless at night.
How to Implement
- Excavate and pour reinforced concrete footings and structural central support beam.
- Build custom melamine formwork for individual thick concrete tread slabs.
- Pour high-strength fiber-reinforced concrete mix with rebar reinforcement.
- Strip formwork after curing; grind surfaces smooth and apply penetrating concrete sealer.
- Recess waterproof LED strip channels along underside lip of each step tread.
Tips & Variations
- Variations: Board-formed concrete textures on risers, smooth polished quartz aggregate, or dark grey integral pigment.
- Tips: Apply anti-slip grit additives into top sealer coat to ensure safety during wet weather conditions.
Materials & Tools Needed
- Fiber-reinforced concrete & rebar
- Plywood/melamine formwork
- Concrete grinder and diamond pads
- Low-voltage IP67 exterior LED strip lights
- Penetrating concrete sealer