Hybrid stairs are those that have handrails from two different systems.
Most of these are older stairs that have CIP Concrete handrails with modern pipe rails attached for improved ADA accessibility.
While the mash-up of the two different handrail systems aren’t usually aesthetically pleasing they do improve the safety and use-ability of the stairs. Hence they extend the useful life of the stairs. That’s a good thing.
Hybrid stairs like this one (323) are typical CIP stairs that get an additional handrail to improve accessibility. Photo by Thomas Horton. 2007.
The new handrails can be tough to shoe horn in, like here at stair 322. Photo by Thomas Horton. 2007.
Not an aesthetic improvement - but definitely a functional improvement. Photo by Thomas Horton. 2007.
© 2010 Thomas Horton – Graphics & original qa.stairs.com content.