Staircase in La Cala del Moral

In a bioclimatic single-family home in La Cala del Moral, we built this tile vault staircase without formwork, recovering a traditional technique that combines lightness, strength, and aesthetics.

The process began with the layout using a catenary arch to ensure perfect geometry. The structure was executed in several layers (roscas): a first layer of clay bricks with gypsum to allow working in thin air thanks to its rapid setting, followed by two additional layers with lime mortar that provide definitive structural solidity and breathability.

The steps were formed with double hollow bricks and ceramic tiles, finishing the whole with a waterproof render. This intervention demonstrates that vernacular architecture offers current technical solutions: a self-supporting structure, free of reinforced concrete, that dialogues with light and space from the logic of the material.

Jesús taking measurements on the wall for the arch layout, start of the precise geometry Use of the catenary chain to visualize the natural curve of forces and loads Process of tracing the staircase on the wall, defining the tread and riser Detailed drawing of the staircase and the arch on the wall, construction guide map Jesús placing the first bricks of the vault, suspended in the balance of the gypsum Manual placement of tiles with rapid gypsum paste, ancestral technique of agile construction Jesús closing the first layer of the vault, structural culmination of the arch Start of the tile vault from the wall, birth of the staircase in the air Detail of the tile vault bond, purity of materials: brick and gypsum Progressive advance of the first layer, defying gravity brick by brick Beginning of the tile vault curvature, starting from the block wall towards the void Jesús executing the second layer of the vault, ensuring structural resistance from the top Constructive detail of the brick and gypsum layers, showing the traditional tile vault technique Side view of the catenary arch under construction, defining the light silhouette of the staircase Vault structure advancing in space, without the need for centered formwork or additional supports Close-up of the vault edge, showing the thinness and resistance of the tile system Formation of the steps over the vault back, integrating functionality and structure Alqatifa team on the staircase under construction, checking the vault stability Side perspective of the staircase with the steps already defined, revealing its organic profile Detail of the steps in hollow brick, prepared to receive the final rendering Overhead view of the steps in progress, showing the brick bond and geometry Encounter of the staircase with the wall, impeccable technical resolution of the tile vault Staircase in masonry phase, ready for finishes after structural execution Application of the base layer of render on the steps, preparing the surface for the final finish Process of continuous rendering on the staircase, smoothing the brick edges Texture of fresh mortar on the vault, protection and aesthetics united in a single layer Final finish of the staircase, where light highlights the curved forms and the material continuity Jesús sitting on the finished staircase, showing the solidness and elegance of traditional construction

Staircase in La Cala del Moral

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