Page 729 - Chief Architect Reference Manual

Drawing Stairs and Ramps

Winder - A wedge-shaped stair tread used dialog and specify your own rise and run
where curved or angled stairways change values. Bear in mind, though, that if you turn
direction. it off, you will need to specify the correct
Top and Bottom Heights to make sure that
Stair Structure and the Model the stairs actually meet both floor platforms
correctly. See “General Panel” on page 753.
By default, stairs locate the height of the
floor platform that they are drawn on and Stair Sections and Subsections
seek the next level, which may be the floor
platform of the floor above or a landing. The In Chief Architect, staircases can be
stringers locate the subfloor of the floor composed of multiple sections and
platforms and maintain consistent riser subsections. See “Merging Stair and Ramp
height. If the stairs are long enough to reach Sections” on page 735.
the next level at a reasonable rise angle, their • Stair sections are separated by landings.
tread depth and number of treads are
automatically calculated to create a staircase • Subsections are considered part of the
with consistent tread and riser dimensions same section because they are connected
along its entire length. to one another directly rather than sepa-
rated by a landing.
You can modify this behavior or turn off it
off altogether in the Staircase Specification

Drawing Stairs and Ramps

Stairs and ramps can be drawn in floor plan heights if possible. The rise and run are
and 3D views but not in cross section/ calculated so that the steps are consistent
elevation views. In 3D views, these objects in size.
can only be drawn in the presence of a floor • Stairs drawn within 1” (25 mm) of a wall
platform or terrain perimeter. See “Working will snap to the outer surface of the wall.
in 3D” on page 1070.
• Stairs will snap to the Reference Display
There are a few things to keep in mind when
drawing stairs: , if you have it turned on. See “Refer-
ence Floor Display” on page 722.
• Before stairs are created, make sure that
the heights for both the lower and upper • Hold down the Ctrl key to suppress these
floors are correctly defined. snapping behaviors.
• If a stairwell room has been defined on
• Stairs are drawn going UP, so they should
be drawn from the lower of the two floors the floor above, the top of the stairs can
they connect. be dragged until it stops at the railing or
wall defining the stairwell.
• By default, stairs adjust their riser and
tread dimensions to connect two floor • When drawing stairs or a ramp up from
the terrain, it is a good idea to make sure

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