Thermo Fisher Scientific

For the 286,000-square-foot ThermoFisher Scientific headquarters in Waltham, MA, DEX delivered a custom, high-performance stair system finished with a recycled glass terrazzo mix. The monumental stair is both a sculptural statement and a showcase of material innovation, aligning with the building’s commitment to sustainability. The facility opened in 2016 and earned LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The front staircase custom treads—over 10 feet in length and 4 inches thick—were cast in a continuous radius, polished on all four sides for full visibility, and detailed with integrated bent stainless steel traction strips at the nosing. The back of each tread includes a formed groove to accept a polycarbonate riser, creating a seamless, modern line throughout the stair. The glass handrails are supported directly by the treads, eliminating the need for additional steel supports and reinforcing the minimal, floating effect.

This behind-the-scenes look at the project reveals the level of craftsmanship involved: every terrazzo tread was hand-polished by DEX artisans to achieve a flawless finish, ensuring consistency and elegance in this high-visibility installation.