Taking steel to new heights: stairs with character

Collaboration as key to success in steel structures

A staircase is not just a structure; it is a visual and functional element that gives a building shape and character. At Tiggelovend-Kok, a specialist in steel structures, they understand this. The company makes robust industrial stairs, but also stylish designs that become the eye-catcher of a building. Director Patrick Teeuwsen: "Steel is an enormously versatile material that lends itself extremely well to all kinds of applications."

At Tiggelovend-Kok, stairs are often designed so that the steel itself balances aesthetics and structural strength. "By combining steel with materials such as wood, glass or slats, we create unique designs that are both sturdy and stylish," Teeuwsen explains. "For example, we can create antique railings or modern, sleek landings. We even recently completed a project where we applied blind rivets for a vintage look in a modern design. The result was exactly what the client was looking for: a nod to the past, in a contemporary form."

In addition to the visual aspect, technical quality is at least as important to Tiggelovend-Kok. Thanks to advanced machinery, including a Flatbed laser machine and a tube laser machine, the team can work even more precisely. "This allows us to make more complex shapes and improve steel operations while requiring less post-processing. That gives us room to really experiment with designs."

Cooperation from the beginning

The company values collaboration throughout the process, from initial design ideas to final assembly. "When we are involved early in a project, we can really think along and make suggestions that improve feasibility and execution," Teeuwsen says. "Our goal is always to work with the architect or client to arrive at a final product that fully meets their requirements and our technical capabilities." This close collaboration leads to surprising results. A great example is the viewing pavilion in Nunspeet that Tiggelovend-Kok designed and built. "It was a special project in which we applied complex, curved steel structures and playful shapes, creating a unique structure with a view of the Veluwe."

Sustainability and circularity

Sustainability is an important spearhead for Tiggelovend-Kok. The company not only works with high-quality, sustainable materials, but also strives for nearly energy-neutral production. "We think about reuse and circularity, so that our work does not stop after the first life cycle of a product," Teeuwsen said. He cites an example of a work of art that first stood in Germany and after a few years was transformed into a new work, which now stands somewhere else for 10 years. "That flexibility and being able to give a second life to our products is something we are proud of," he says.

Whether it's a functional escape route or a staircase as a visual statement in a building, Tiggelovend-Kok always provides customized solutions. Teeuwsen concludes, "With steel we can vary endlessly and create something unique for every customer. That is why it is great to be involved early in a project - we like to show what is possible."