The staircase, which lost its fire safety after multiple alterations, needs to be rebuilt.
Reasons for Reconstruction
There are several reasons for reconstructing the staircase:
The steel beams supporting the granite steps are starting to rust.
The staircase wall on the upper floor has been dismantled.
Restoring the staircase to its 1894 state does not guarantee compliance with modern fire safety requirements.
New Planning
A new, enclosed, reliable, fireproof staircase must be built. In this design, the fireproof wall should no longer end at the sloping roof but extend above the roof as much as possible. The roofs will only connect in the attic. In case of fire, this prevents flames from spreading through the sloped roof into the stairwell.
The top opening of the long stair window can be mechanically opened from the lower floor. Small balconies in the stairwell can serve as additional evacuation routes during fire emergencies.
The upper basement floor will remain connected to the staircase as in the existing building.
Installation shafts will allow clear and reliable routing of various utilities.
Materials
The staircase must be constructed from non-combustible materials. The stairwell will be built of fired brick and firmly connected to the existing facade sections.
The exterior walls of the stair tower will use local white quartz stones, which will be collected for the construction.
Stair Tower
The staircase will be completed with a tower; the northwest corner will serve as the stair tower. The building is clearly visible from the Upper Reuß Castle. The stair tower will enhance the surrounding streetscape and contribute to the cityscape when viewed from afar.
Accessibility
The new staircase concept provides direct access to the attic from the staircase. Measurements show that the upper section level aligns with the floor, allowing access from the upper tier as well.
A separate exit from the staircase to the underground garage is also possible.
Access from the staircase to the former cesspit location will allow installation of IBC rainwater tanks.
Access from the staircase to the former cesspit location will allow installation of IBC rainwater tanks.
The central technical room will be accessible from the stairwell.
Development of the Lower Section
The lower section is planned as a kind of Cour d'honneur, a three-sided courtyard between houses 35 and 37. It provides a sense of privacy to compensate for street traffic. The entrance door is located at the corner and leads directly to the staircase. No additional exterior stairs are required. The stairwell also offers direct views from the balconies.
