Florida Private Residence
Blue Glass Stair Treads & Landings

Project Overview

Location:
Florida, USA

Project Feature:

Blue Glass Stair Treads & Landings

Project Type:

Private Residence

Application:
Custom structural glass staircase featuring glass treads, landings,

Glass Type:
Laminated Azurite Structural Glass (3 layers of 3/8”)

Unique Design Challenges:

Design a striking floating staircase that would serve as the focal point of the home’s dramatic two-story entry while maintaining structural integrity and maximizing natural light. TCG Glass manufactured custom laminated Azurite blue glass treads and landings that seamlessly integrate with the custom steel structure, creating a bold architectural statement that appears to glow throughout the space.

Photography:
Richard Leo Johnson

Status:
Completed

The Story

This residence demonstrates how architectural glass can completely redefine the experience of a staircase. Rather than relying on traditional wood or stone treads, the design embraces thick blue structural glass to create a centerpiece visible from nearly every angle of the home.

The substantial glass panels appear to float within the black steel framework, producing dramatic contrasts between transparency, color, and steel. During the day, sunlight illuminates the glass from above, while reflections and changing light conditions continually alter the appearance of the staircase.

Projects like this require careful coordination between the architect, structural engineer, steel fabricator, and TCG Glass. Every tread and landing was manufactured specifically for its location within the staircase, ensuring precise fit, structural performance, and exceptional visual quality.



The finished result is a staircase that functions as a piece of architectural art while providing the durability and safety required for everyday residential use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of glass was used for this staircase?

This staircase features custom laminated structural glass stair treads and landings manufactured by TCG Glass. Each panel was engineered specifically for this residence to provide exceptional strength, durability, and long-term performance.

What is the blue glass used in this project?
This staircase was fabricated using a specialty blue architectural glass known as Azurite, manufactured as three layers of 3/8-inch glass laminated together. The rich blue color creates remarkable depth and vibrancy throughout the staircase. Unfortunately, Azurite glass is no longer readily available, making this a unique example of an earlier architectural glass offering.

Can TCG Glass still produce this exact blue glass?
Not exactly. Because Azurite glass is no longer readily available, this exact material is difficult to source today. However, TCG Glass can work with architects and designers to develop alternative colored glass solutions that achieve a similarly dramatic architectural appearance.

Are glass stair treads safe?
Yes. Structural glass stair treads are engineered for pedestrian traffic and are designed to meet the structural requirements of each individual project. Anti-slip walking surfaces can also be incorporated when required.

How thick are the glass treads?
The stair treads in this residence were fabricated by laminating three layers of 3/8-inch glass, resulting in a substantial structural assembly. Glass thickness is determined by the specific engineering requirements of each project.

Can glass be used for both stair treads and landings?
Absolutely. TCG Glass regularly manufactures complete structural glass stair systems, including treads, intermediate landings, bridge floors, and elevated walkways.

Is every glass staircase custom manufactured?

Yes. Every TCG Glass staircase is custom fabricated to match the project’s dimensions, structural requirements, and architectural vision. No two projects are exactly alike.