Instead Of Stairs, A Spiraling Ramp Was Designed For This Office Building

May 26, 2021
A spiraling ramp replaces the need for stairs in this modern office and adds a sculptural element.

PAULO MERLINI architects has designed the offices of E-GOI & CLAVEL´S KITCHEN in Portugal, and one of the main design features central to the interior is a spiraling ramp.

A spiraling ramp replaces the need for stairs in this modern office and adds a sculptural element.

The former warehouse, which has now been transformed into offices that span multiple floors, includes a ramp that replaces the need for a staircase.

A spiraling ramp replaces the need for stairs in this modern office and adds a sculptural element.

The elegantly curves of the concrete form is accentuated by the use of white bars and edges.

A spiraling ramp replaces the need for stairs in this modern office and adds a sculptural element.
A spiraling ramp replaces the need for stairs in this modern office and adds a sculptural element.

The circling ramp connects the floors of the office and adds a sculptural element that doesn’t block the light from traveling throughout the interior.

A spiraling ramp replaces the need for stairs in this modern office and adds a sculptural element.
A spiraling ramp replaces the need for stairs in this modern office and adds a sculptural element.
A white frame and supports connect the top of a spiraling ramp with the ceiling.

Here’s a glimpse of the ramp looking down from the top floor, and up from the ground.

A spiraling ramp replaces the need for stairs in this modern office.

Let’s take a look at the rest of the office…

The exterior of the office has walls of glass providing a glimpse of the interior for the pedestrians on the street.

The exterior of this modern office has walls of glass providing a glimpse of the interior for the pedestrians on the street.
The exterior of this modern office has walls of glass providing a glimpse of the interior for the pedestrians on the street.

There’s a variety of different seating areas in the office interior, including spaces for casual meetings in house-shaped alcoves.

There's a variety of different seating areas in this modern office interior, including spaces for casual meetings in house-shaped alcoves.

More private work rooms with glass walls that keep the sound in or out.

A modern office interior with a variety of work areas.

A larger meeting room with a blue curtain that’s filled with beanbags and has LED lighting in the ceiling.

A large meeting room with a blue curtain that's filled with beanbags and has LED lighting in the ceiling.

Other more traditional work spaces exist too, with desks that include multiple work stations.

A modern office with floor-to-ceiling windows.

There’s also a photo studio with a minimalist white kitchen with floating wood shelves. Adjacent to the kitchen are tall wood shelves filled with photography props and kitchen equipment.

A modern office has a photo studio with a minimalist white kitchen with floating wood shelves. Adjacent to the kitchen are tall wood shelves filled with photography props and kitchen equipment.
Wood shelves frame a spiraling ramp in the center of this modern office.

When it’s time to take a break from working, there’s a communal area with long wood tables, a kitchenette, seating by the windows, and an outdoor space.

A modern office with a communal break room.
A modern office with seating by the windows that take advantage of the natural light.
A modern office with plants that hang from a metal detail.
Photography by Ivo Tavares Studio | Architecture Office: PAULO MERLINI architects | Main Architects: Paulo Merlini/ André Santos Silva