INTERIORS 47 DESIGNS TAKING FLIGHT


Eric Nicholls of Spiral UK explores the different options for feature staircases available to housebuilders and developers, detailing the benefits of each.


residents suffer a monotonous trudge up and down steps every day when they could enjoy descending a feature flight every morning? If you are embarking on a new build or


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a structural renovation, start thinking about your stairs early on. Thanks to bespoke staircase manufacturers, there is a world of stair design to consider – virtually whatever you can dream up, can be made. The first thing to consider is the space you have available, as that will define the shape of stair you can consider. Of course, if you have a large atrium hallway to fill, then you can go as elaborate as your budget allows, but corner stairs or restricted footprints may need a bit more clever thinking for example, if your space is low and wide, a cantilever stair may suit the space best, but if the main distance to cover is vertical, a spiral stair is the most efficient and aesthetically pleasing option.


The size and type of staircase may influ- ence the build, so be sure to contact a specialist at a stage where it won’t be expensive or difficult to make alterations such as load-bearing walls and concrete footings. However, what staircase suits your project best?


SPIRAL STAIRS Spiral stairs are defined as steps fitted around a central pole, so they are best for tight spaces or small footprints – but that doesn’t mean they need to disappear into the background. Interior spirals can be made to match the décor or stand out as a feature, delicate ‘tendrils’ climbing up to the next level or sturdy structures that are solid in appearance. The main design consideration with


spiral stairs is headroom – the turn and tread depth need to be just right to allow for more than adequate room to walk underneath, and this includes stepping on and off the beginning and end of the stair. This can be tricky to achieve in limited spaces as the where you enter the stair may need to be at a different angle to where you leave it. Building Regulations are strict on safety


hoosing a staircase sounds easy – after all a staircase has only one function – but why should


protocols – defining minimum widths and gap sizes depending on the intended use of the stair.


HELICAL STAIRS Otherwise known as curved stairs, these can spiral but without the support of a central column, allowing for a beautiful floating visual effect, or simply a straight flight that arcs for a more organic form. Helical stairs are often the most


dramatic and impressive options, but they require some serious engineering to ensure they are adequately supported. The shape and weight can cause tension at the points it attaches to the fabric of the building, twisting and contorting and pulling the footings up. By their design they are usually more expensive, but well worth the end effort for buyers if the budget can allow.


CONCRETE STAIRS Once within the remit of Brutalist archi- tecture, concrete stairs are now en vogue for domestic settings, in particular the use of ‘fair face’ concrete which has a beautiful white colouring to match modern décor. Concrete is a heavy material, but can be designed to create a surprisingly light looking structure, the juxtaposition of solid stone seemingly floating mid air as it ascends forming an impressive feature. It is also extremely practical – hardwearing as well as quiet as there is very little movement. They are also comparatively affordable, making them all the more attractive.


CANTILEVER A firm favourite this decade, this is a simple update to a standard stair that makes a big impact, with an individual stair seeming to protrude from the wall unsupported. The chosen location will need a struc-


turally sufficient, load-bearing wall for the stairs to hang from, but the stringer that attaches them can then be hidden behind your chosen render. Most cantilever stair have open treads,


which allow light through and aren’t too imposing in a room, but it’s becoming more fashionable to have closed treads, which creates a zig-zag side profile.


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