INTERIORS
SPONSORED FEATURE
How a bespoke spiral staircase transformed a rooftop terrace
F
orest ill, south-east London, is a district defi ned by grand terraces, robust brickwork, and a long history of craftsmanship, and when Ashely Williams set out to transform their Forest Hill rooftop into a private terrace, the design evolved naturally from its surroundings. Planning permission had already been secured, but the property had no existing roof access, and the route to achieving this wasn’t straightforward. There was only one viable location for
a staircase that would grant access to the new terrace above, an exceptionally tight courtyard and no room for error – requiring a bespoke solution. Ashley wanted something that would enhance the architecture of their home and complement its Victorian and industrial roots. o achieve this in such a confi ned and awkward space, British Spirals & Castings were brought in to develop a bespoke solution: “We did a lot of research to try and fi nd a provider that could create a bespoke staircase that was light enough for our needs but still looked like a traditional iron structure. We found British Spirals & Castings through a google search, and they were one of very few providers that could deliver exactly what we needed and with a sensible price point!” said Ashley. Needing a product that was lightweight and traditionally styled, Ashley selected a Victorian-style cast aluminium spiral staircase. Given the relatively small size of the courtyard, aligning a spiral staircase with the terrace fl oor above initially appeared impossible without repositioning its base. Instead, a more inventive solution was developed. Two straight steps were added at the top of the staircase, allowing a perfect fl ow onto the terrace without compromising the space below. Using CAD software, the team developed detailed drawings that defi ned the staircases style, proportions, and dimensions, allowing for these adjustments to be made before manufacturing began. nce the design was fi nalised, the components were cast, fi nished with a black powder coat, and assembled.
56 lex aguire Photography
Standing at 3.26 metres tall, the fi nished staircase featured ictorian- style treads, each incorporating an ornamental infi ll panel and spindle that together would form the balustrade. The staircase was also designed to meet current UK building regulations while preserving authentic Victorian proportions and detailing. For spiral staircases, aluminium
offers clear advantages over cast iron, maintaining a classic appearance and structural integrity while signifi cantly reducing weight and improving its resistance to corrosion. All cast aluminium staircases produced by British Spirals & Castings are sand- casted at the company’s Staffordshire- based non-ferrous foundry. This process blends time-honoured casting techniques with modern design tools, enabling traditional forms to be recreated with precision. The staircase’s thoughtful, bespoke design ensured it fi t precisely within the available space, while the material
lex aguire Photography
created a compelling dialogue between eras. shley explains, ur home has a mixture of industrial and ictorian features, and we felt the style of the Victorian spiral staircase was very complementary to the overall feel and character of the building.” Dark metalwork and intricate detailing echo Victorian ironmongery and the area’s industrial roots, while the surrounding elements, like the green tiled walls and dar timber fl oors, reinterpret traditional London service spaces in a more contemporary, domestic context. Despite the tight constraints and evolving design requirements, the completed staircase exceeded expectations. shley illiams commented: “British Spirals & Castings provided a brilliant service. The staircase complements the overall feel and character of the building, creating a beautiful centrepiece in our home. The team was engaged and patient throughout multiple planning permission changes. I highly recommend British Spirals & Castings for anyone needing a spiral staircase, especially for more complex builds. his fi nished staircase sits confi dently within a space that balances old and new. Steel-framed glazing opens the home onto the courtyard, framing the spiral like artwork in a gallery. As natural light moves through the space, the staircase’s ornate detailing casts shifting shadows across the tiled walls throughout the day. Above, the new terrace features sleek glass railings that contrast with the decorative metalwork below, reinforcing the home’s blend of Victorian and industrial design infl uences. Ultimately, the project demonstrates what can be achieved when careful planning meets bespoke British craftsmanship. For homeowners facing complex layouts or tight footprints, it highlights how specialist design and manufacturing can turn constraints into opportunities and create spaces that feel both purposeful and beautifully resolved.
01663 750716
www.britishsc.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
