DNA Stairs by Geoffrey Packer

The DNA Stair is not your typical stair, based on the unique DNA strands, Designer Geoffrey Packer created a series of unique staircases that resembles the complexities of the DNA strands. His unique and modern interpretation had earned him awards and recognitions globally. The Premiere Modeling Blogazine, Next Model Men goes beyond modeling as we welcome Designer Geoffrey Packer for an exciting exclusive interview. Geoffrey Packer and the DNA Stairs is NEXT.

Always Exciting. Always Next Model Men.

DNA V2.0

Patric: "What is your favorite material to work on?"

Geoffrey: "Up until now I have used steel, timber and glass, which combined are very elegant. A couple of days ago I was approached by a carbon composite company regarding the possibility of designing stairs in said material. It looks like an amazing material, currently used in automotive and Formula 1 industries, its a very 'fluid' looking material. There are going to be some very organic stairs coming out soon!"

Glass Flower Spiral

Triskelion

Patric: "What attracted you to choose the DNA strand as a basis for your design and concept?"

Geoffrey: "It was more of an accident than a choice unfortunately, or is that fortunately?. I was trying to come up with an alternative to a spiral staircase by having a very tight radius twisted centre column. I design in a 3d modelling program, and once the column and handrail were modelled I immediately saw a resemblance to a DNA strand."

DNA V3.0

DNA V3.0

The DNA V3.0 is a free standing version of the DNA Stair, combining glass with stainless steel, Geoffrey was able to capture the intricate elements of the human DNA with this original creation. The design elements seems to flow smoothly in every inch of the stairs from the stainless steel box stringer and Y-brackets that supports the glass treads to the stair's outer balustrade that is supported by structural glass and stainless steel handrails. The DNA stair breathes life to the most important element, the human DNA.

Box Stack Helical

Layer Radial Vertical Timber

DNA V1.0

Patric: "Geoff, tell us more about the DNA stairs"

Geoffrey: "There are 4 domestic versions of this stair and 2 public versions. Version 1.0 of the DNA series consists of an all stainless steel strand, forming the inner support of the staircase and glass treads. The drum supports the glass treads either by cutting slots into it,(as shown) or with curved stainless steel angles. Floor lights and slots in the drum allow more light into the stairwell. The DNA V2.0 stair is free-standing, supported by a monolithic helical wall. The 90 mm thick wall is capped with a stainless steel hand rail. The central strand and the horizontal balusters on this model are powder-coated white, the inner handrail stainless steel. For an all glass and stainless steel free-standing version of the DNA stair then look no further than version 3.0. The glass treads are supported by a stainless steel box stringer and Y-brackets. Structural glass and a stainless steel hand rail capping form the outer balustrade of the stair. Version 4.0 is very similar to the previous model, but without the stringer. This is by far the most 'transparent' stair in the range."

Helical Box Stack

Patric: "Where do you get most of your inspiration from?"

Geoffrey: "I'm inspired by everything, from hubcaps to plug holes! The DNA v 1 and 2 curved treads were inspired by the chrome waste in a bath. In the past furniture has inspired many designs, such as my range of stack stairs, and the radial layer stair. Currently architecture is becoming a favourite source. Thomas Heatherwick, Gehry, Calatrava, Jurgen Meyer and Zaha Hadid are great architects and are making me re-think what can be done."

Glass Flower Spiral

For Geoff, design does not only affects all the elements of the product, but it's right in the core of any product. Geoff had been in the construction industry for ten years now, he currently works for a specialty staircase manufacturing company, and at the same time he does not only design stairs like the DNA, Stack and Layer Radial, but he also freelances for different companies working on variety of areas from product design to architectural elements. Know Geoff more, visit his site at DNA Stair

Triskelion

"All these designs are bespoke, built to suit the site it's intended for. Every design affects about 95% of the elements. Apart from bolts and glass fixings, there are no off the shelf components."

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