Tile stairs and vaults
Construction of tile vault staircases and vaults using traditional technique. Brick and gypsum without formwork or reinforced concrete.
Construction of tile vault staircases and vaults using traditional technique. Brick and gypsum without formwork or reinforced concrete.
The tile vault (or Catalan vault) is a structural system that allows building staircases and roofs by layering flat bricks bonded with gypsum. This technique eliminates the need for formwork and reinforced concrete, relying on geometry and compression to create lightweight, organic laminar structures capable of supporting heavy loads.
At Alqatifa, we are specialists in the layout and execution of tile vault staircases (return, spiral, winder). The gypsum sets in seconds, allowing the craftsman to build “in the air,” guided only by spatial intuition.
These staircases are not mere functional elements but walkable sculptures that add elegance and fluidity to the architectural space.
Design based on the catenary curve and principles of equilibrium, creating light and extremely resistant structures without complex formwork.
Maximum use of ceramic and gypsum, achieving expressive architectural forms with minimal resource consumption.
Adaptation to any space, allowing the creation of stairs and roofs with organic and fluid forms impossible with other systems.
Recovery of a millenary technique, combining traditional constructive wisdom with the needs of contemporary architecture.
They weigh much less than a concrete staircase, putting less load on the building structure. Ideal for rehabilitations.
The vault remains visible, showing the beauty of the brick or allowing a continuous gypsum finish that enhances its curvature.
Simple and local materials (brick, gypsum) transformed into architectural luxury through manual dexterity.
Construction of tile vault staircases and vaults using traditional technique. Brick and gypsum without formwork or reinforced concrete.
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