Raffles

Challenge

Late in construction, Suffolk learned the original monumental stair contractor could not deliver the complex, elliptical stair designed for the Raffles Boston hotel lobby. The stair was the architectural centerpiece of the space, and redesigning it would have compromised the look and feel of the hotel.

At the same time, the building was fully enclosed, the stair was located on the 17th floor, and the hotel opening date could not move,  leaving little room for error.

Solution

McGregor was brought in last minute to design, fabricate, and install the stair under extreme constraints. The team modeled the continuously changing elliptical geometry in Tekla and used CNC layout equipment to translate that model directly to the shop floor, reducing layout time from weeks by hand to minutes.

Because McGregor designs, fabricates, and installs in house, the entire team worked together to plan splices, finishes, and installation sequencing,  ensuring the stair could be fabricated in sections, transported by elevator, and assembled cleanly on site.

Results

McGregor delivered the elliptical stair exactly as designed, without schedule delays or design compromises.

• Design intent preserved for the lobby’s primary architectural feature
• Dramatically faster layout, turning weeks of manual work into a precise, CNC-driven process
• On-time installation on the 17th floor of a fully enclosed building, with minimal disruption to other trades