b'The Soul of the HouseThe Staircase, the Stairwell, and the Axis MundiTo return to the centre ofthe architectural space is symbolically equivalent to a return to the centre ofthe universe and to ones own centre . . . and to ascend the axis ofthe building . . .is to return to the realm which, being spaceless, is Infinite and, being timeless, is Eternal.Adrian Snodgrass; Architecture, Time, EternityAt the very center of the Spiral House is the spiral staircase.The two expressions of the axis mundi represent the Rich with symbolism, alive with light and movement, therelative and absolute reality of Buddhism, or the manifest staircase reveals its sculptural complexity as it rises insideand unmanifest universe of Hinduism. The light of the the central column where the spiraling stone wall closes instairwell is the uncreated, the dimensionless source through on itself.which all form springs. The stainless steel column is the cre-We have described how, in traditional sacred archi- ated form. This is how the house gives physical expression to 234Life & Revelationtecture, form develops from a center outward. That centertranscendent ideas. And that is the purpose of art and more is called the axis mundiliterally, the center pole of thespecifically of sacred architecture: to allow us to experience world. A sacred mountain, a shamans ladder, smoke risingthe inexpressible. from the hearth, a pyramid, a steeplethey all represent the axis mundi, the connection between heaven and earthThe Stairwell EngineeringThree spiraling stone columns, one hidden column, and a that supports communication between the realms. Becauseskillfully burnished stainless steel ring conceal weight-bear-the spiral staircase is open to the light from the observationing elements that allowed us to cut away three-quarters of the stairwell. This engineering feat (described in more room, and has glass treads that allow that light to traveldetail in chapter 5) contributed hugely to the artistic and down through the entire staircase, our axis mundi literallyfunctional success of the architecture. It increased the lat-eral movement throughout the first floor and exposed the enlivens the entire house with the energy of the heavens.sculptural design of the staircase, which otherwise would Traditionally, the center point of a temple was estab- have been hidden inside the stairwell.lished as part of the siting ritual; the resulting axis mundiGlass treads and risers transmit light from the observa-tion room through the entire forty feet of the house. was an energetic presence, implied rather than literally seen.The sandblasted surface creates a feeling of security and In the Spiral House we have both an energetic axis mundiprivacy on the staircase. Glass panels close off the space under the first-floorthe light-filled stairwelland a visibly articulated axisstairs. All year long, at some point in the day, direct mundithe stainless steel staircase column that rises fromsunlight from the first-floor windows passes through this glass partition, sending natural light and dancing shadows the basement to the top of the third floor.into the lower stairwell and the basement.'