Solar Stair

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Scope note(s)

  • The Solar Stair is exemplary of the multi-layered and complex symbolism present throughout the house, combining cultural and scientific references. This spiral staircase, at the physical and conceptual centre of the house, is at once a reference to the double helix of the DNA, the spiral movement of galaxies and of time, as well as to the Sun and solar system.As with the Cosmic Oval, Jencks consulted scientists and astronomers on the specifics of its design. The reference to solar energy was not merely symbolic. In the initial designs for the house the Jenckses hoped to incorporate a wall of solar batteries on the south-facing façade. On consultation with architect Terry Farrell, the plan changed and the façade features large conservatory windows, which allow for the light and heat of the sun to be absorbed through this south-facing wall. It was imagined that heat from the sun would accumulate at the reinforced base of the Solar Stair, then travel up the vertical shaft heating the entire house. While this hasn’t worked in practice, these ideas reveal an interest in environmental and ecological concerns, further developed in Charles Jencks’ later artwork and landscape work.

Source note(s)

  • https://www.jencksfoundation.org/explore/image/solar-stair
  • *A New Description of The Cosmic House* by Edwin Heathcote, The Keeper of Meaning, with Charles Jencks, The Critic, and Charles Jencks, The Architect, First Edition, 2021, pp.13-14

Display note(s)

    Hierarchical terms

    Solar Stair

    Solar Stair

    Equivalent terms

    Solar Stair

    • UF Solar Staircase
    • UF Sunwell

    Associated terms

    Solar Stair

      1 Archival description results for Solar Stair

      1 results directly related Exclude narrower terms
      [Solar Stair]
      -CJA-TCH-a-17 · File · 1982 -1984
      Part of Charles Jencks Archive
      Includes:
      -pencil and ink drawing of a spiral staircase with relationships to the seasons and calendar months indicated; includes dimensions.
      -annotated photocopy drawing of a spiral staircase.
      -copy letter from Charles to Lewis Design regarding the stairs, 2 Aug 1982.
      -pencil sketch of asteroids and planets.
      -pencil sketch of balustrade designs.
      -photocopy typescript document titled 'Solar Stairway' with annotations and sketches.
      -typescript document titled 'The Sun Stair' .
      -photograph of the Solar Stair.
      -sketch of a sun design on lined paper.
      -whiteprint section by Charles of the handrail (folded).
      -b&w photograph of the Solar Stair and Paolozzi's mosaic by Heini Schneebeli, 1984.
      -photocopy of Steelway brochure
      -whiteprint titiled 'Setting Out Steps' by Terry Farrell Partnership with a plan and section (folded).
      -Deconyl nylon colour card
      -letter on Terry Farrell Partnership headed paper from Simon Sturgis enclosing drawings of 'the sunwell top and the Jacuzzi stair rail', sent to Charles and Maggie in Los Angeles, 22 Jan 1982.