Archetech Issue 60 2022 | Page 94

SPIRAL UK
Photos : Oxford Architects

WYTHAM CHALET EXTERNAL STEEL STAIRCASE BY SPIRAL UK

NOT ALL FIRE ESCAPES ARE CREATED EQUAL – THIS ONE IS MUCH MORE BEAUTIFUL IN FORM THAN ITS FUNCTION REQUIRES
The external stair at Wytham Chalet is encased in linear steel caging that instead of feeling like a prison , reflects the quiet serenity of the tree trunks in the setting . Dappled shadows from leafy canopies play tricks on the eye , bringing what could have been a perfunctory build element to life .
Spiral UK were invited by specialist contractors Richard Ward Ltd to work with Oxford Architects on this rather special project .
Now a Listed Building just outside Oxford city centre , the chalet started life as a Swiss Hunting Lodge that was dismantled brick by brick in the 1930s and transported to its current site before being gifted to the university in 1942 . Oxford Architects were managing the refurbishment and modernisation of the chalet belonging to Oxford University in its use as a specialist teaching space .
ARCHETECH - PAGE 94