skyrail

A continuous guardrail that modulates view and light as one moves through the stair.

Inspired by the client’s fascination with woven pattern and depth, the design evolved through a sequence of computational and physical prototypes. Collaborating with Andrew Kudless / Matsys, we created a parametric script that enabled rapid iteration between analogue and digital studies, refining the optical rhythm until a subtle balance emerged.

The final piece was CNC-milled from solid stock, its smoothed geometry supported invisibly at points of least perforation. The result reads less as a railing than as a moving field—an object that reveals and conceals with each step.

architect: Neal Schwartz Architects  design collaboration: Andrew Kudless / Matsys  fabrication: S/U/M