---
title: "Staircase Volume (195)"
created: 2026-07-01
updated: 2026-07-01
type: concept
status: compiled
namespace: pattern-language
pattern_number: 195
pattern_name: "Staircase Volume"
source_repository: https://github.com/zenodotus280/apl-md
source_url: https://github.com/zenodotus280/apl-md/blob/master/Patterns/Staircase%20Volume%20%28195%29.md
license_note: Non-commercial reuse with attribution; see namespace README and source LICENSE.md.
related_patterns:
  - "Staircase as a Stage (133)"
  - "Open Stairs (158)"
  - "Columns at the Corners (212)"
  - "Stair Vault (228)"
  - "Child Caves (203)"
  - "Stair Seats (125)"
---

# Staircase Volume (195)

> Source pattern from the abridged `apl-md` corpus. Use as a design reference and constraint seed; do not treat as commercial-clean training data.

### Problem
>We are putting this pattern in the language because our experiments have shown us that lay people often make mistakes about the volume which a staircase needs and therefore make their plans unbuildable.

### Solution
>Make a two story volume to contain the stairs. It may be straight, L-shapes, U-shapes, or C-shapes. The stair may be 2 feet wide (for a very steep stair) or 5 feet wide for a generous shallow stair. But, in all cases, the entire stairwell must form one complete structural bay, two stories high.
>Do not assume that all stairs have to have the “standard” angle of 30 degrees. The steepest stair may almost be a ladder. The most generous stair can be as shallow as a ramp and quite wide. As you work out the exact slope of your stair, bear in mind the relationship: riser + tread = 17 1/2 inches.

### Related Patterns
... [[Staircase as a Stage (133)]] and [[Open Stairs (158)]] will tell you roughly where to place the various stairs, both indoors and outdoors. This pattern gives each stair exact dimensions and treats it like a room so that it becomes realistic in the plan.

Construct the staircase as a vault, within a space defined by columns, just like every other room - [[Columns at the Corners (212)]], [[Stair Vault (228)]]. And make the most of the staircase; underneath it is a place where the children can play and hide - [[Child Caves (203)]]; and it is a place to sit and talk - [[Stair Seats (125)]] ...

---

> [!cite]- Alexander, Christopher. _A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction_. Oxford University Press, 1977, p. 900.
> #APL/confidence/medium
>
> #APL/Building-Patterns/Shaping-the-Rooms