Revolutionizing Stair Design with Virtual Reality: Hillside Contracting’s Pioneering Approach

How Hillside Contracting is Transforming Stair Design through Virtual Reality and Innovative Fabrication Methods

Staircases, often viewed as functional necessities, are becoming architectural highlights thanks to Hillside Contracting’s revolutionary approach. By blending virtual reality (VR) with advanced parametric design and cutting-edge fabrication techniques, Hillside Contracting is reshaping the way stairs are designed and experienced. This trailblazing method sets new industry standards and offers clients a unique, immersive experience, allowing them to virtually explore their future staircases before construction even begins. Through a combination of advanced technologies and eco-conscious methods, Hillside Contracting is transforming stairs into personalized works of art.

A Leap from 2D to Virtual Reality: A New Era in Stair Design

Traditionally, stair design has relied on static blueprints, 2D drawings, and even 3D renders, which often fail to fully capture the complexity of modern, parametric shapes. Recognizing the limitations of these traditional methods, Hillside Contracting ventured into virtual reality to bridge the gap between design and experience.

"We didn’t initially set out to explore VR or coding. Our core focus has always been on leveraging AI to push boundaries in architectural design, particularly around parametric staircases. However, as our designs grew more intricate, we realized traditional methods couldn’t adequately convey the full experience of these shapes," shares Alex Shynkarou, CEO of Hillside Contracting.

Hillside Contracting’s solution was to develop an Android app compatible with the Meta Quest 3 VR headset, allowing clients to immerse themselves in a fully realized version of their future staircase. This virtual experience offers more than just visualization—it provides a true sense of scale and spatial interaction that static methods cannot replicate.

For renovations and new builds alike, Hillside Contracting utilizes the Trimble X7 laser scanner to capture precise environmental details. This data is then used to integrate the new stair design seamlessly into the space, providing an interactive, immersive experience that ensures the client's satisfaction before any construction begins.

Precision Fabrication Meets Sustainability

After the design is fine-tuned through the VR process, Hillside Contracting moves forward with the production phase, employing advanced fabrication techniques to bring their designs to life. A critical element of their approach is the use of a 3D-printed metal exoskeleton, produced using state-of-the-art additive manufacturing technologies. This exoskeleton forms the structural core of the staircase, ensuring both strength and precision.

To complement the metal frame, Hillside Contracting uses an eco-friendly bio-composite material that is applied by a robotic arm. This process ensures that even the most complex parametric shapes transition smoothly from digital design to physical form.

By embracing these advanced materials and processes, Hillside Contracting sets itself apart from traditional stair manufacturers, who often rely on conventional building methods. This modern approach not only delivers aesthetically stunning staircases but also promotes sustainable practices, aligning with the growing demand for eco-conscious construction.

Bridging the Virtual and Physical Worlds: The Future of Stair Design

Hillside Contracting’s innovative approach transcends traditional stair design. They are not simply building stairs—they are crafting bespoke, sustainable architectural elements that integrate seamlessly with their surroundings. With the integration of VR, clients can now engage deeply in the design process, making real-time adjustments and experiencing their staircase in a virtual space before it takes physical form.

This fusion of virtual and physical design methods signals a new direction for the future of construction. It highlights the shift toward personalized, immersive experiences and sustainable practices. By giving clients the power to explore and refine their designs through VR, and then translating those designs into reality with precision fabrication techniques, Hillside Contracting is paving the way for a new era in architectural innovation.