Top marks – once again, this Apple Store sets new benchmarks: it is the first time a free-standing glass staircase has been constructed over two floors, instead of the usual single storey.

Its entire weight is carried by the central glass cylinder. In principle, it is divided into six segments connected by a stainless steel ring. The tower is about nine metres (30 ft) high and forms the inner stringer of the staircase.

The outer stringer is attached to projecting glass fins. The individual glass panels are connected to each other by stainless steel fittings; the steps are also fixed to the stringers by stainless steel fittings. On the upper floors, the staircase is accessed via glass landings spanning the approx. 3.90 metres (13 ft) between the intermediate floors and the staircase. Glass balustrades, projecting glass balconies and facade elements on the ground floor round off its spectacular appearance.

The all-glass doors and the facade lobby provide a befitting entrance. Prefabricated elements weighing approx. 5 tonnes were supplied for this purpose. A high degree of precision was required to install these elements in the prepared openings in the brickwork, since there was only 19 mm room to manoeuvre on all sides.