#cosmichouse

Charles Jencks’ ‘Solar Staircase’

Cosmic House, 19 Lansdowne Walk, London W11,

The Solar Stair is exemplary of the multi-layered and complex symbolism present throughout the house, combining cultural and scientific references. This spiral staircase, at the physical and conceptual centre of the house, is at once a reference to the double helix of the DNA, the spiral movement of galaxies and of time, as well as to the Sun and solar system.

As with the Cosmic Oval, Jencks consulted scientists and astronomers on the specifics of its design. The reference to solar energy was not merely symbolic. In the initial designs for the house the Jenckses hoped to incorporate a wall of solar batteries on the south-facing façade. 

On consultation with architect Terry Farrell, the plan changed and the façade features large conservatory windows, which allow for the light and heat of the sun to be absorbed through this south-facing wall. It was imagined that heat from the sun would accumulate at the reinforced base of the Solar Stair, then travel up the vertical shaft heating the entire house. 

While this hasn’t worked in practice, these ideas reveal an interest in environmental and ecological concerns, further developed in Charles Jencks’ later artwork and landscape work.

Terry Farrell, Drawing of the Solar Stair, c. 1979 – 1984. Kindly loaned by The Terry Farrell Foundation, ©Farrells.

Charles Jencks, Sketch of the Solar Stair, c. 1978–1983. Pencil on paper.

View of the Solar Stair looking up, 1984. Photograph by Heini Schneebeli.