The McKinley House Stairs
Wood: Another Look
PROJECT: The McKinley House Stairs
WOOD: Ipé (Tabebuia spp.)
CREATOR: David Hertz, S.E.A., Studio of Environmental Architecture
In Venice Beach, just a short stroll from the Pacific Ocean, is the McKinley House, a family estate comprised of four separate buildings connected by bridges. The home's boundaries segue gently between interior and exterior spaces, enabling its residents to fully embrace Southern California's outdoor lifestyle. This home is the brainchild of architect David Hertz, who also happens to be the owner.
David Hertz, FAIA LEED AP, is an award-winning architect, educator, and a pioneer in environmental architecture and green building. In the McKinley House, he has integrated environmentally sound architectural principles with superb aesthetic design and taken full advantage of the site's natural attributes. The home is naturally cooled, heated and lit most of the time. It is durable and low-maintenance, built with rugged materials designed to withstand the dual tests of time and three active, energetic children.
"The materials used were chosen carefully to support environmental sustainability and the design intent. There are no redundant materials. Recycled and FSC-certified sustainable woods such as ipé, mahogany and fir are used throughout the house," said Hertz. "Ultimately it is nature and balanced natural processes that provide the inspiration in this house and in other buildings I design."
One of the most striking features of the McKinley House is a wooden staircase that Hertz designed to transition between the main dining area and the second floor. The stairs are constructed from a wood species better known for its use in decks, bridges, boardwalks, marinas and other heavy-duty outdoor applications. "I designed and built the staircase out of sustainably harvested ipé," says Hertz. "The ipé is incredibly hard, like steel. The steps are finger-jointed and open to allow for the bulk of hot air from radiant heating and natural ventilation to flow."
It took more than 1,600 individual wood boards to create the stairs. The ipé strips are ¾" x 6" thick. Apart from the outside finish boards, all of the boards are drilled and have two large ½" bolts running the width of the stair. The boards are finished with a transparent urethane finish.
Truly inspired by nature, Hertz designed the McKinley home to breathe in the gentle ocean breezes. The concept of indoor-outdoor living is important to Hertz and his family. "By bringing the outdoor experience in, you maintain a connection with the natural world," he said.
Frequently asked questions
What wood species was used for the McKinley House staircase?+
The staircase was built from sustainably harvested ipé (Tabebuia spp.), a wood species typically used in heavy-duty outdoor applications like decks, bridges and boardwalks.
Why did David Hertz choose ipé for an interior staircase?+
Hertz chose ipé because it is incredibly hard, like steel, making it durable and low-maintenance. Its strength suited a home designed to withstand time and three active children.
How was the McKinley House staircase constructed?+
The staircase required more than 1,600 individual ipé boards measuring ¾" x 6" thick. Apart from the outside finish boards, all boards were drilled and secured with two large ½" bolts running the width of each stair.
How are the McKinley House stairs finished?+
The ipé boards are finished with a transparent urethane finish, preserving the natural appearance of the wood.
Why are the steps on the McKinley House staircase open and finger-jointed?+
The steps are finger-jointed and open to allow hot air from the radiant heating system and natural ventilation to flow freely through the stairs.
What sustainable woods were used in the McKinley House?+
The home incorporates recycled and FSC-certified sustainable woods throughout, including ipé, mahogany and fir, chosen to support environmental sustainability and the design intent.