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system staircases available that have the treads
wall mounted and are open sided as well as the
open riser so no side stringers! This design
increases the light available even further and there
are no safety worries as a small solid wood strip is
fitted under the treads if required to close the gap
to the regulation 100mm. If this wall mounted
type is used in the house design then the actual
wall make up needs to be considered. Solid
concrete blocks with a traditional “wet plaster” are
the best materials to give the wall anchors a
solid fixing.
If there is space available then you have the
ability to design the shape of the stair without
too many restrictions. A curved helical design
can look amazing in a large hallway sweeping
up to a first floor gallery landing. This would
really make the stair the centrepiece feature of
the house especially with an open tread design
so you can see through the stair to see other
features behind. Another great idea is to have a
Designed to Suit
short flight up to a bridge landing then another
flight rising up on either side. With less space
available the stair can still be a brilliant feature
as long as it is thought out at the design stage.
Generally it looks best, if when you come
Stairflight Limited advises on the various types of staircases
through the front door, the stair is facing you as
to invite you to ascend it. Looking at the
available for architects. underneath is not attractive or inviting.
Spiral stairs have a reputation for space
taircases in a typical UK house are these elements may be placed or concealed efficiency, enabling stairs to be squeezed in where
S
still softwood stringers with MDF elsewhere in the house. Many of the current a straight flight would be impossible, making them
treads, square newel posts and stairs that are available are space saving but popular for loft conversions. A spiral used as a
wooden spindles. Why is this? Cost modern, typically supported on a central spine main staircase, however needs a minimum
mainly, but does it make any sense with hardwood treads and open risers. diameter of 1830mm to enable even the biggest
to put this type of stair into a £500,000 home These can fit into the tightest spaces but still pieces of furniture up the stairs. The significant
when it should be one of the main features of comply with building regulations. difference is in the shape of the stairwell, which
the house? There is a huge choice now offered Choosing the right staircase design to suit must be square or circular. This may make it
by bespoke staircase specialists using such the house is obviously very important. more suitable for the shape of your house.
diverse materials as granite, marble, glass and You need to have an open mind as a Many of the new type of staircases available
stone as well as a variety of hardwoods. contemporary staircase can look fantastic in a are manufactured abroad. For high quality
By using a combination of unique engineering period style house and vice versa. stairs Germany are still in the forefront of both
and clever design you can get dramatic and Open staircases go beyond banal functionality design and engineering excellence. Italy also
often gravity defying staircase which will grab and can become a statement expressing boasts several companies aiming mainly at
attention and create a striking first impression. contemporary interior design. They bring the builders and enthusiastic amateurs starting with
Another consideration beside cost, is space other big benefit of increasing the amount of light their staircase kits through to a range of both
and the typical softwood stair normally has a under and around the staircase. This is hugely modern and classic designs that their specialist
cupboard underneath it for storage, concealing important as light can filter down from a window staircase partners install. For the budget
metres and pipe work or sometimes a closed or skylight into an area that may other wise be minded developer these are an ideal
toilet. If this is thought out at design stage then seemingly dark and dingy. There are unique Continued on page 46
See inside back cover for Reader Enquiry Card or go online: www.adfonline.eu
45
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