Architect/Designer: Butterworth Associates
Location: Bermuda
Exterior Canopy made from: 316 grade stainless steel
Stair/Balustrade made from: Curved and fabricated structural stainless steel
Other parts made from: Satin polished stainless steel and toughened glass

CANAL Architectural secured a contract to install a 5m diameter, 4m rise, helical staircase and exterior canopy nearly 5,500km away from their Nottingham workshop in the tallest commercial building on Bermuda.

CANAL tendered against both British and American metalwork companies for this prestigious project on Bermuda. The company successfully secured the contract by offering a competitive price and pro-actively developing the architects’ concept designs.

The 35 metre high building, which is the tallest commercial building on the island, was rebated in the front right corner to accept the stainless steel feature. The main structure and the lower canopy were all fabricated from grade 316 stainless steel. During the project CANAL was also commissioned to provide the main entrance doors inclusive of the logo glass window.

The architect's specification for the helical staircase was challenging; other than fixing points at the bottom and top, there was to be no additional structural support: Once installed there was to be no movement or deflection in the staircase.

Once the structural drawings were approved, the CANAL team fabricated the staircase in the works factory and tested it for movement before dismantling it piece by piece, packing it in crates and shipping it the 5,500km to Bermuda.

On site, the CANAL team had no time to enjoy the Bermudan sun, as piece by piece they reconstructed the feature staircase, welded it all in place to create the seamless masterpiece.