Paper

Breaking the Code: A Prototype for Single-Stair Housing

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Abstract

Recent policy shifts to allow single-stair housing in some cities have gained attention and support. The project presented in this paper speculates how these emerging regulatory changes could impact housing in the U.S. The Geode House is a prototype that explores how the stair can break out of its mono-functional role and facilitate various forms of human contact. By integrating shared programs, outdoor spaces, and varied circulation patterns, the Geode House challenges conventional housing models and creates new connections between private and communal domains.

Keywords: egress, single stair, building code

How to Cite:

Chen, Z., (2025) “Breaking the Code: A Prototype for Single-Stair Housing”, Building Technology Educators’ Society 2025(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.7275/btes.3377