Asentis engineered and installed a complex cantilevered staircase at UNSW HTH, showcasing precision and architectural innovation.
Ascentis
Asentis, a leader in integrated turnkey stair solutions, has added another standout project to its portfolio with the completion of the feature staircase for the UNSW Health Translation Hub (HTH).
Spanning from the ground floor to Level 3, this striking centrepiece is as much an architectural statement as it is a feat of complex engineering.
Early involvement under a Design & Construct contract was critical, enabling Asentis to de-risk the stair design and achieve seamless integration with the base-build and installation process.
The project involved the delivery of full cantilever staircases weighing approximately 11 tonnes per level. “The stairs were fixed to the slab edge at one location only, which required us to use extremely large and heavy steel members,” explained Sian Brighten, Head of Client Relations & Business Development. “This wasn’t just a staircase; it was an intricate structure requiring surgical precision.”
The complexity extended beyond weight and scale. To facilitate the installation, the Asentis team developed an advanced temporary engineering methodology.
“We had to use more than 200 props to back-prop the ground floor slab and support our 60-tonne crane during the lift,” said Sian. “It was one of the most intense setups we’ve executed, but absolutely critical to the success of the install.”
Accuracy was paramount. The stair connection to the main structure used cast-in slab connection plates and cleats, all set out and installed to achieve pin-point precision. Balustrades made from solid steel plate were painted and installed completely free of defects, offering the seamless finish the architects envisioned.
One of the project’s innovations came from within. “Our construction team developed a curved nosing detail that wasn’t available off-the-shelf. It allowed us to meet the exacting architectural brief with elegance and durability,” said Sian.
This landmark project reaffirms Asentis’ commitment to engineering excellence, design innovation, and the seamless integration of form and function in modern civic spaces.
For more information contact Asentis, phone 1300 685 000, email sales@asentis.com.au, website www.asentis.com.au