Bamboo folding staircase adds a bit of functional “art” to your space

Posted on 02/08/2024 by Ida Torres

Even though I am vertically challenged, I rarely use steppers or ladders because I am also naturally clumsy. The chances of me falling off anything stairs-related, especially those that are not that stable, is always pretty high. Folding staircases are a necessity for some homes but those are not always the safest and design-wise, they are just purely functional.

Designer: Bcompact

The Bcompact Bamboo Folding Staircase aims to stand out from those that are currently in the market by bringing something that is both a piece of furniture and also partly a piece of art, not to mention part “engineering masterclass”. It is meant to be installed and used in spaces that normally don’t have staircases. It can also be customized according to what you need and the specifications that your home or office requires with its multiple angles and height options.

When folded or not in use, it can also blend into your area with its aesthetic design. It uses sustainably sourced, natural blonde Bamboo for its body or you can also color stain it to match your space. It also uses brass, stainless stell and aluminum hardware for the other parts. Its retractable flat folding mechanism and its space-saving design are both patented already.

This folding staircase can actually replace any ladeer, attic steps, or staircase that you may already be using. It also has manual or automatic gates that you can add in case you need something safer. It can be used for your attic, mezzanine, loft, basement or any space where you need to have a staircase installed, with minimal infrastructure alteration.

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The Ultimate Guide to Staircase Types: 10 Designs to Inspire Your Next Renovation

Posted on 04/07/2024 by Pooja Khanna Tyagi

interior shots of a modern loft, in foreground the dining table with its chairs to whose right there is a wooden staircase the walls are covered of bricks

Stairs are important in buildings because they help people move safely between floors. They come in many styles and sizes, allowing for different types of staircases that fit well with their surroundings. Discover 10 types of staircase options and choose the one that is best suited for your home.

Image courtesy of: adpephoto

1. Straight Stairs

Image courtesy of: wirestock

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In a straight staircase, there’s a continuous direction without any turns, making it ideal for both residential and commercial properties. If the staircase is lengthy, it’s crucial to break the flight of stairs to facilitate climbing. Having a platform in the middle of the staircase is strongly advised, particularly when the distance to the floor exceeds 12 feet. Straight stairs are typically the most convenient for ascending and descending, favored for their ease of construction, and particularly suitable for minimalist residences. A downside is that straight stairs occupy linear space, requiring careful consideration in design planning.

2. L-Shaped Stairs

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The L-shaped staircase is a variation of the straight staircase, with a bend achieved by adding a landing, typically forming a 90-degree angle, though not necessarily. When the landing is closer to either end, it’s sometimes termed a long L staircase or a quarter-turn staircase. L-shaped stairs offer increased visual appeal and privacy due to the inclusion of a central landing, enhancing safety by reducing the number of steps in each flight and providing a resting spot before continuing the ascent, contrasting favorably with straight stairs. In an L-shaped staircase, a landing requires support, while modern homes often opt to expose the stair structure to enhance space openness.

3. U-Shaped Stairs

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U-shaped stairs comprise two parallel flights of straight stairs that are connected by a landing, forming a 180-degree turn in the walking path. One of the biggest advantages of U-shaped stairs is that they can be integrated easily into the architectural design of the building, along with their ability to provide substantial visual appeal. Additionally, these stairs feature a landing that serves as a resting point within the staircase structure that ensures comfort while climbing up and down the stairs.

4. Winder Stairs

Image courtesy of: LightFieldStudios

Designer: Royal Oak Railing & Stair Ltd.

Winder stairs, an alternative to the L-shaped configuration, feature triangular steps at corner transitions instead of flat landings. This design advantageously suits compact spaces, occupying less area, thus gaining favor in contemporary residences and sustainable home designs. However, caution is necessary while ascending these triangular treads due to their increased risk of tripping.

5. Spiral Stairs

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Spiral stairs feature a compact design, following a helical arc where treads radiate around a central pole. They are ideal for space-constrained environments like city lofts, maximizing space efficiency. The railing significantly contributes to the stair’s aesthetics. Note that the central pole and landing offer structural support, simplifying installation compared to other stair types. However, navigating spiral stairs can be challenging, especially with a smaller diameter. Moving large items up or down is cumbersome, and only one person can ascend or descend at a time.

6. Curved Stairs

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Similar to spiral stairs, curved stairs also follow a helical arc, but with a larger radius that doesn’t complete a full circle. Curved stairs exude elegance and are best situated at entrances, leaving a striking first impression, particularly complementing contemporary and transitional style homes. With a large radius, climbing becomes more manageable, yet construction proves challenging and costly.

7. Cantilever Stairs

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Cantilever stairs give the impression of floating without visible support, with the stair stringer affixed to one end of the treads, which can either be concealed or exposed. They introduce intrigue and a sense of spaciousness to any space, offering a distinctive visual appeal. Enhancing the room’s openness and aesthetic, cantilever stairs require meticulous design to accommodate the necessary support system capable of bearing the staircase’s weight. However, their construction entails considerable expense due to the added structural demands.

8. Ladders

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Ladders, akin to stairs, provide access, although they typically serve as secondary means of access. Commonly found in libraries and lofts, ladders offer a compact solution for vertical movement between floors, proving cost-effective. Some ladders even feature wheels for convenient removal when not in use and they are perfect for accessing shelves within double-height spaces. However, ladders pose greater difficulty in navigation compared to stairs, particularly during descent.

9. Split or Bifurcated Stair

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Split stairs, also known as bifurcated stairs, typically begin with a wide set of stairs at the bottom, leading to a landing partway up the flight. From this landing, the stairs divide into two narrower sets, each going in opposite directions. This design allows one staircase to serve dual purposes, providing access to different sections of the building and facilitating easy access to both ends of the upper level. Split stairs make a striking architectural statement, often seen in grand entries of large homes or commercial buildings, suitable for both interior and exterior settings. However, they require a significant amount of space, which should be considered during the building’s design process.

10. Open Well Stair

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The open well staircase earns its name from the space or “well” between the balustrades. Despite its extravagant use of space, when designed properly, it can make a grand statement in a home. It provides visual connectivity from the topmost level to the bottom level, irrespective of the number of floors it spans. One disadvantage is that an open staircase can be risky in the event of a fall. Additionally, open-well staircases also require a significant amount of space, hence, if you’re considering installing one in your residence, ensure you have sufficient room to construct it without it feeling cramped.

What are the different staircase materials?

Some of the common materials that are used for constructing a staircase include wood, concrete, glass, metal, and bamboo:

Wood

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Wood remains a timeless choice for stairs, providing a cozy and traditional atmosphere to the décor. Common materials for staircases include teak, oak, maple, and mahogany. Due to the high cost of wood, it is highly recommended to consider laminate or engineered wood as more budget-friendly alternatives. Note that these two options of wood are made with composite layers of wood veneer or laminate finish that is durable and aesthetically pleasing too.

Concrete

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Concrete, known for its durability and strength, is ideal for modern and industrial-style staircases. It can be poured and shaped into different forms and finishes, like polished concrete or textured surfaces. Additionally, the surface can be covered or clad with marble, limestone, granite, or tiles once the staircase is complete. It offers an elegant touch to the staircase design.

Metal

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Metal staircases offer a modern and streamlined look and materials like steel, iron, or aluminum are commonly used for the structural framework, supports, and balusters. Metals pair well aesthetically with wood or glass elements, enhancing the overall appearance.

Glass

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Glass staircases exude a contemporary and elegant vibe, enabling light to permeate the area and create a feeling of spaciousness. Make it a point to utilize tempered or laminated glass for the treads, balustrades, or railings to ensure safety and durability.

Bamboo

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Bamboo stands out as an environmentally friendly and sustainable choice for both staircase steps and railings. It offers a highly sustainable and budget-friendly option.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Staircase Types: 10 Designs to Inspire Your Next Renovation first appeared on Yanko Design.

Inspiring Under-Stair Planning and Decorating Ideas

Posted on 31/05/2023 by Pooja Khanna Tyagi

Designer: Aamir & Hameeda

The under-stair area presents a unique design challenge due to its awkward triangular shape. Whether you need extra storage or require an additional room, the under-stair space allows you to maximize every square inch of your home. However, with creative ideas, one can transform the under-stair area into a functional and visually stunning zone. So, unleash your creativity and give a new lease of life to the under-stair area of your home.

Designer: Mel Boyden

1. Create an Entertainment Zone

Designer: Bex Designs and Decorations

If you love entertaining, then use the under-stair area for creating a built-in bar alongside a buffet counter for serving food and added convenience. Arrange the shelves by the height of the liquor or wine bottles and different types of glassware. Introduce LED strip lights that illuminate the shelves and exude soft, diffused lighting to create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. This fully-functional entertainment zone is perfect for an open-plan home.

2. A Green Thumb

Designer: Kate Chilver

Maximize the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the under-stairs area with open shelves that are perfect for keeping plants and wicker baskets that add an element of organization and storage. Plants not only add color but are also an affordable and natural way to infuse life and improve indoor air quality.

3. A Cozy Reading Nook

Designer: Camilla Falconer

Drawing inspiration from Scandi decor, the sinuous curves of this reading and resting nook create a cozy and stylish cocoon-like effect. Perfect for curling up with a good book, enjoying some hot coffee, having a long phone call, or listening to music, this nook transforms into a comfortable space ideal for relaxation. The depth of the stair provides ample space for a cozy bed, making it an ideal spot for putting on shoes and creating a feeling of tranquility. To complement this space, add a cozy lamp and good lighting to create an inviting and relaxing atmosphere.

4. Essential Storage

Designer: Denver Real Estate

Maximize your home’s storage potential by utilizing under-stair area. With its deep storage capabilities, this area is perfect for storing everyday essentials and utilitarian items such as scarves, coats, and extra belongings. By organizing this space, you can keep your home clutter-free while keeping everyday items close at hand. Consider creating designated shoe storage, allowing you to conveniently put on your shoes before leaving the house and easily store them upon returning.

5. Introduce a Kennel

Designer: Kimberly Lewis

Optimize the under-stair area in your home by creating a private space for your furry friend. This space can be customized to fit their size and needs, providing a cozy and comfortable spot for them to rest and relax. To keep the space clean and organized, consider incorporating easy-to-clean flooring and storage solutions for their items. In this example, a dog house facade complete with a door, lamp, and mailbox adds an extra touch of charm and functionality.

6. Design a Dry Kitchen

Designer: Blakes London

Transform your under-stair area into a practical dry kitchen with a coffee maker, microwave, and storage space for books and other essentials. With the addition of utility drawers, this space can become a perfect zone for quick and easy meal preparation. Ideally, this area should be close to a refrigerator to minimize walking time and maximize convenience. When not in use, the cabinet can be closed, keeping the area neat and out of view.

7. Incorporate Storage Drawers

Designer: Clever Closet

If you prefer a minimalist approach, consider dividing the under-stair area into several pull-out drawers. Designate each drawer for strategic storage as per your requirements. Pull-out drawers are an excellent choice, as they make deep storage easily accessible and can help extend your pantry space. The use of white drawers can create a clean, streamlined look that does not add bulk to the space.

8. Create a Laundry Room

Designer: Kayleigh Hilbert

Convert the under-stair area into an efficient laundry room with a washing machine and dryer. The shelves make space for storing your laundry supplies, washing powder, and fabric softener. Customized doors can camouflage the washing machine and tumble dryer and keep them looking tidy.

9. Introduce a Powder Room

Designer: Artvalleys

Maximize the under-stair area by creating a functional powder room for guests. When designing this space, ensure there is enough headroom and ample space to incorporate a WC and sink. Make provisions for all the necessary plumbing lines during the construction stage.

10. Storage Cubbies

Designer: Roundhouse Design>/a>

The slant of the stair provides a unique opportunity to create cabinets and racks of various sizes. If the staircase is near the kitchen, it can serve as an extended pantry or additional storage space, with dedicated areas for crockery, plates, and even wine storage. By customizing the cabinets and racks to fit the slant of the stair, you can create a streamlined and functional storage solution that maximizes the available space.

11. Style the Space

Designer: Oh My Edwardian

The under-stair area presents a unique opportunity to add style and visual interest to your home. By introducing a chair, throw, cushions, and plenty of planters, you can create a cozy and inviting space that is perfect for reading or relaxing. Additionally, consider adding a piece of art or decorative element to the space to elevate its overall aesthetic.

12. A Wine Cellar

Designer: Jay Rosen

Utilize the space under your stairs to create a luxurious wine cellar! Show off your wine collection like a pro by transforming the area into a temperature and moisture-controlled room that’s perfect for storing wine. A glass display will enhance the visual appeal of the space, while proper lighting is essential for elevating its ambiance. Opt for wine racks to organize and display your collection stylishly.

13. Incorporate a Built-in Bar

Designer: Parsons Custom Builders

This built-in bar unit is not only smart and stylish but highly functional as well. With a wine chiller, shelves for glasses and accessories, and drawers for storage, it’s the perfect setup for hosting memorable cocktail hours. Its wood finish infuses an element of warmth within the interiors.

14. Kids Playhouse

Designer: SR Fine Home Builders

The under-stairs area is the perfect hidden spot for toddlers to hang out and play with their toys without making a mess in the main living areas. As the children grow taller, convert the space into a functional storage zone with deep drawers or cabinets. Make sure to incorporate good lighting to keep the interior bright and cheerful.

15. Home Office

Designer: Building Culture

A home office is a space that transforms into a functional workspace with the right furniture and storage solutions. This dedicated zone is demarcated with an arch and is perfect for working or doing homework. A comfortable chair is essential to complement the space, along with adequate task lighting to prevent eye strain. Make sure there are plenty of electrical outlets and enough headroom to avoid any unwanted bumps.

16. A Home Library

Designer: Jenny Marrs

Transform your under-stair area space into a home library that can be used for displaying your cherished keepsakes in an organized and clutter-free way. One simple approach is to create open shelving or a bookcase with differently sized shelves, utilizing larger ones for displaying art and plants.

These creative tips will help you achieve the perfect balance of form and function in your home. Maximize the under-stair area; consider incorporating drawers, cupboards, or cabinets to make optimum utilization of the available space.

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32 Amazing staircases that steal the spotlight

Posted on 19/03/2023 by Pooja Khanna Tyagi

A staircase is not only functional, but it can serve as a stunning focal point and make a strong style statement. From dramatic and dynamic to sculptural and sophisticated, here is a curation of some offbeat staircase designs that are highly functional and are a visual delight.

1. Industrial Elegance

In this industrial design-inspired space, an open staircase with a minimalist triangular-shaped balustrade offers structural support. It keeps the look compact and sleek without consuming visual space, which is essential in shrinking urban areas with restricted square footage.

Designer: Valenti Albareda

2. Contemporary Vibe

This gray-hued staircase borrows from the industrial style and is suspended from the ceiling. The metal framework provides a sense of privacy and lends a secretive quality to the staircase.

Designer: Flavio Castro

3. Built-in Shelf

The stair treads share the wooden tonality of the flooring. The first two steps at the base level have a rounded edge, while the third stair moves a step further and extends as built-in low-height shelving.

Designer: Hansquare

4. Contemporary Sophistication

The floating wooden treads form an eye-catching feature that contrasts against white walls and is suspended from them. An array of vertical metal binders looks sleek. It functions as a balustrade, forms the structural support system of the stairs, and creates an impactful visual.

Designer: Potamitis & Nicolaou Architects

5. Smooth Curves

Inspired by the oasis-like landscapes of the Middle East, this staircase is a celebration of sumptuous grandeur with a balance of opulence and restraint. The space is detailed with a sculpture to create a pleasing visual.

Designer: Conrad Architects

6. Textural Beauty

The skylight-washed floating staircase allows light to spill into the open-plan design home and infuses a fresh and airy look. The built-in seating and exposed brick wall create a tranquil intermediate space.

Designer: Azimetri Design

7. Contrasting Wood

Inspired by Scandinavian minimalism, the helical staircase exudes a peaceful vibe in the interiors. The white staircase combines timber treads and herringbone flooring patterns to impart a fresh and airy look.

Designer: DEJAVU DESIGN

8. Triangular Elegance

Set around a triangular stairwell, this staircase has a dramatic quality with its symmetrical steps intersecting at the landing area. The green marble handrail beautifully contrasts with the white marble flooring to form an interesting composition.

9. Helical Stair

Check out the interplay of color and cut-outs within this exquisite helical stair. The bright green hues of the handrail and tall indoor plant infuse a nature-inspired vibe into this neutral space.

Designer: Aamir & Hameeda

10. Built-in Lighting

Linear strips of LED lights infuse a luxe vibe within each tread and create an interesting pattern. The glass railing offers visual lightness and completes the look.

Designer: Bellisi Design

11. Angular Composition

A large stairwell comprises a dual flight of stairs that meet at a central landing to form a spectacular geometric composition. A tall industrial-style sculptural light adds depth and dimension to the space.

Designer: Newsam Construction

12. Floating Treads

The timber treads appear to be floating in the air, while the glass railings offer visual transparency. The modern, functional, and sophisticated design forms a spectacular style statement in this open-plan design home.

Designer Silvia Vanzini Architetto

13. Abstract Composition

The fluid form of this staircase is a complicated form of engineering and a beautiful piece of art. It’s a great way to infuse a dramatic and playful vibe into the space.

Designer: SIPAL.WAFAI.Architecture

14. Textural Effect

These sleek concrete floating steps look like a seamless part of the hardscape and contrast well with the stepped waterfall in black. The layered effect of each tread is reinforced with diffused lighting, while the concrete steps are softened with an outline of multi-colored hydrangeas.

Designer: Ed Hollander, Leeroy Street Studio

15. Steep Ladder

Bold and steep, an array of triangular wooden boxes are stacked one on top of the other to form a ladder staircase while adding a sculptural quality to it.

Designer: Gabriella Gustafson & Mattias Stahlbom

16. Zen Effect

These floating stairs add visual drama to the outdoors and create an eye-catchy composition. Surrounded by trees and plenty of greenery, this all-white concrete staircase is like a Zen art installation.

Designer: Coolabah Landscapes

17. Beauty in Travertine Stone

This travertine staircase adds to the calm, relaxed vibe of this space. The graceful curves at one side of the stairway combine with the cream and brown hues of travertine stone to enhance the tranquility of the space.

Designer: TJAD

18. Ribbon Shape

Designed from a continuous sheet of metal, this open staircase creates an interesting pattern that exudes simplicity, while its sculptural form exhibits sleek materiality as one moves up and down through this space.

Designer: HSH Architects

19. Pure Geometry

Each metal tread has an angular shape that is cantilevered from the wall and looks as if they are floating in space. They are welded to steel plates in the wall to ensure the structural stability of the treads.

Designer: APOLLO Architects & Associates

20. Organic Swirl

The large, wooden steps are encased within a smooth white body of the helical staircase to create a captivating look. The woody tones of the chevron flooring continue with the treads and risers to complete the look.

Designer: Steven Harris Architects

21. Sculptural Wood

Clean, rounded, and unique, each tread has an organic sculptural quality that imparts a light and airy appearance. Some treads move further to provide support as the handrail continues to form more steps on the upper flight of stairs.

Designer: Arquitectura en Movimiento Workshop

22. Form Beyond Function

This staircase spirals around a beautifully crafted post and displays a striking combination of materials and form. Featuring a minimalist sculptural shape, it transforms into a showstopper element that draws attention to its curves.

Designer: YDDG

23. Warm Wood Tones

The fluid form of the wooden staircase infuses a dynamic vibe into the open-plan space. The rich hues of wood impart warmth to the overall décor of the space.

Designer: The Purple Ink Studio

24. Biophilia

The sculptural wooden staircase deserves considerable attention and infuses a touch of biophilia into the space. It connected each tread to vertical wooden panels. The indoor garden and natural light add softness and complete the look. This staircase cleverly creates a solid design without visually overwhelming the space.

Designer: Anna Kobialka

25. Wood and Glass

Featuring a perfect mix of different materials, the individual steps of this smart and contemporary stair design are joined together by a single wooden vein under each tread. The glass railing provides a sense of visual lightness to the overall design of the staircase.

Designer: Mark A Silva

26. Origami-Inspired Staircase

Inspired by origami or the art of paper folding, the arts and crafts design of the staircase adds a playful vibe to the interiors. In addition, the floating spiral design lends a sense of movement and dynamism to the space.

Designer: ArchitectsTM

27. Showstopper Design

The C-shaped spiral staircase starts from the ceiling and continues on the flooring. Contrasting hues of brown wood with black along the staircase and plenty of indoor plants freshen up the look of this space and form a spectacular design feature.

Designer: SIPAL.WAFAI.Architecture

28. Abstract Masterpiece

From its swirling shape to the curved convex railing and wedge-shaped treads, this metal staircase is all about curves and lends a decorative quality to the space. Just see how this staircase blurs the line between art and function.

Designer: Sabrab

29. Ribbon-shaped Design

The alternating ribbon-like structures in hues of white and brown function as the treads and handrails and create a dynamic geometric pattern.

Designer: Andrii Ortynskyi

30. Bright in Orange

This bright and cheery orange staircase ensures that climbing up and down this helical stair is full of cheer. It effortlessly adds a punch of character to the neutral hues of this space.

Designer: Martin Dulanto

31. Perforated Staircase

The perforated staircase adds quirk and vibrancy to the space and makes a bold architectural statement. The punctures in the cabin body let light pass through and seem to be suspended from the ceiling.

Designer: Michaelis Boyd

32. Dramatic Centrepiece

This cascading staircase doubles as a piece of art in this dining space. It makes an extraordinary architectural element and adds a sense of drama to this spacious open-plan design home.

Designer: Dieter De Vos

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This minimal suburban home in Vancouver is defined by a visually weightless and sculptural staircase

Posted on 18/02/2023 by Srishti Mitra

Nestled in Vancouver, British Colombia with views of the Burrard Inlet is a beautiful light-filled angled home called the Yield House. Designed by Splyce Design, the home is marked by subtle glazed corners, and a rather majestic sculptural staircase, which provides the aforementioned views of the Inlet. Splyce Design built the house in 2021 and ensured it occupied 5700 square feet.

Designer: Splyce Design

The home is oriented towards the east-west, with the front of the house completely covered by wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows. These windows provide stunning views of the city, mountains, and ocean, while the back side of the home has views of Douglas firs and western red cedars in the forest. The home is elevated, positioned almost 17 feet above the sidewalk, so you get an interesting raised view from the street. A concrete wall with a cantilevered staircase forms a path to enter the home. The topography of the site was definitely a challenge to tackle during the construction of the home, Nigel Parish, founder of Splyce Design, said, “How to bring people up from the road to the front door in a meaningful, experiential way sets the tone for what is to come in the house. The glazed front is characterized by a deep triangular covering with a thin structural shell, while “a continuous dark band of cementitious panels defines the silhouette of the east elevation.”

As you enter the home, you are welcomed by a central staircase which functions as the focal point of the home. It creates a harmonious distinction between the public and private spaces of the house, while also adding a sculptural and artistic element to it. Parish says that the staircase is visually weightless. It is quite open and bathed beautifully in light that falls from the operable skylight and deck access located above. “A thin steel ribbon supports the outer edge of the floating wood treads, while discreet vertical cables serve as the guard,” he continued.

The main section of the home includes a kitchen, dining, and living rooms, which are subtly connected to the outdoors via a slanted window wall accentuated with hidden window frames. Stark-white walls and polished concrete floors give the home a rather minimal appeal, while the timber ceiling adds warmth to the space. A prep kitchen and mudroom are concealed behind the main room, while the living room also holds a home office. The upper floor includes spaces such as the library, and seating nook. It also houses the primary room, which is accompanied by an attention-grabbing black bathroom.

“The porosity and openness of the project from east to west – front to back – is unique in that you can get two very distinct views and natural lighting conditions and experiences, simply being in one spot,” Parish concluded.

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This contemporary home in San Francisco features a sculptural cast-glass staircase

Posted on 28/11/2022 by Srishti Mitra

Geddes Ulinskas Architects recently finished a stunning home in Cow Hollow, San Franciso, marked by an exquisite cast glass staircase. Occupying 12,000 square feet on a 0.26-acre lot, the home features abundant indoor-outdoor spaces and intricate stone detailing. And not to mention it looks out to the Golden Gate Bridge!

Designer: Geddes Ulinskas Architects

“We were deeply inspired by the natural environment for the design of this home and sought to bring the outdoors in as much as possible,” said Geddes Ulinskas. The three-story home has been equipped with six bedrooms and is basically multiple envelopes stacked on top of each other, that can be continually glazed. The roof emits a floating effect, since the structure is pulled back from the exterior walls, and columns have been set in glass. This also allows for a linear ribbon of bronze windows throughout the home.

A wooden 20 feet tall door leads you into the home, while the smooth exterior walls have wood-wrapped roof eaves dangling over them. These beautifully contrast the split-faced limestone entry. As you enter the home, you are welcomed by a seating area, and a dining room adjacent to it. The dining room opens up to the garden, via floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. These transparent glass doors create an intimate indoor-outdoor connection. Materials such as wood and hand-textured stone were used to accentuate the interiors, and they pair excellently with the custom paneling and blackened steel finishes.

“We utilized nature-inspired colors such as charcoal and dark green with fixtures inspired by water ripples, lightning, and other fractal forms,” Ulinskas said.

The entire home is defined by impressive sliding glass doors, providing beautiful views of San Francisco, and integrating indoor-outdoor living. Fabric was stretched over the ceiling to hide some of the technical equipment – creating clean lines and smooth surfaces. Although, the star of the home is a magnificent steel and glass staircase that”reads more like a two-story piece of art than the product of construction,” in the words of the studio. The sculptural staircase was brought to life by pouring molten glass into a thick four-inch form and then allowing the glass treads to cool for almost three months.

The home has also been equipped with a private movie theatre, wine room, gym, 72-foot lap pool, built-in stainless steel spa, and a wellness spa with a glass-enclosed sauna and steam shower. A massive rooftop deck on top of the house provides views of the San Francisco Bay and also features a stone fire table.

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This floating red staircase brings a modern Harry Potter element to this London apartment!

Posted on 07/09/2020 by Ruchi Thukral

When I think floating staircase, the first thought I have in my mind is the staircases from Hogwarts! While they are the ultimate level of cool, realistically in a modern London apartment they would be a misfit so architect Michaelis Boyd designed this eye-catching red staircase that also gives you the illusion of floating without any magic or green screens.

Michaelis Boyd was in charge of renovating a Georgian apartment building in London’s royal borough of Kensington and Chelsea. He wanted to give it a ‘lift’ in terms of aesthetics as the original architectural work took place in 2010 when the studio combined two existing flats into a four-bedroom maisonette – so an interior upgrade was necessary! The team wanted to match the style to the client’s personality and the bold, bright staircase was the perfect element to showcase it. The playful design details blended well with the whole apartment set up and you can tell that the residents are creative people with children who enjoy the social and open nature of horizontal apartment living. The staircase connects the two floors and is created using perforated red steel. It floats above the living room floor and certainly ‘elevates’ the space.

With this unique staircase, the two floors were now transformed into one large maisonette. The living spaces is on the first floor and the bedrooms are located on the second floor. The floating red staircase is the centerpiece of the interior design. Michaelis Boyd’s concept was inspired by the floating red ‘Staircase-III’ by Doh Ho Suh which was an exhibit at the Tate Modern, a museum that often has many inspiring pieces of international and contemporary art. In fact, this reminds me of another house in Japan where the staircase was the center of attention – Nendo’s Tokyo house and you have to check it out! The team was able to retain child-like magic and refined taste without compromising the functional integrity of a staircase for this beautiful family home.

Designer: Michaelis Boyd

A simple design-upgrade to the staircase handrail allows elders to take a break while climbing

Posted on 07/04/2020 by Sarang Sheth

One of my favorite things in the world is stumbling across a design that’s both creative yet so painfully obvious, it makes me wonder why nobody thought of it before. A staircase handrail serves two important purposes. It A. acts as a barrier between flights of stairs, so you don’t accidentally fall over and hurt yourself, and B. more importantly, it gives you a resting platform for your hands, allowing you to take support as you climb down. Here’s my question. What if you could reinterpret the word ‘support’ as something that’s more encompassing and isn’t limited to one’s hands?

The Rest For A While staircase turns portions of the handrail into a resting zone for people who get tired of climbing flights of stairs. At the landing of every flight of stairs, the handrail extends downward into a makeshift seat with a backrest, allowing senior citizens or people with disabilities to take a short break from climbing long flights of stairs. It’s a simple solution that, in the absence of elevators, gives people a well-deserved moment of respite to regather energy for the next flight of stairs.

The ‘Rest For A While’ Staircase Handrail is a winner of the iF Design Award for the year 2020.

Designer: Shenzhen Jinwei Innovation Design Company

Nendo’s Tokyo house uses a giant stairway to keep the family and their 8 pets connected!

Posted on 06/04/2020 by Ruchi Thukral

When I saw Nendo’s latest project, there is just one song that started playing in my mind – Led Zepplin’s Stairway to Heaven because that is exactly the emotion this house radiates. The unusual-looking home was designed to be a part of one of Tokyo’s residential neighborhood where two families can live on different levels while being connected by the defining staircase that runs through the entire space. The house is called Kaidannoie which actually means house of stairs and it truly feels like it will lead up to heaven.

The stairway house has three floors in total, the ground floor was created keeping in mind that it would be used by the elderly members of the family and the remaining two floors are meant for the couple and their children. Of course, you can choose the living arrangement as per your needs but given how not-normal this house looks, it still has a very wholesome vibe which is showcased in every carefully thought out detail. What I love most about this house is that the stairway also acts as an indoor garden filled with abundant sunlight which becomes a large common area for the family to have some bonding time. Because of the staircase, there are no conventional floor boundaries which means the entire house has the luxury of a high ceiling. While most of the home is smartly concealed to keep the residents’ lives private, the south-facing side is made completely of glass allowing sunlight to fill the space and provide a zen view of the existing persimmon tree. A staircase is usually never the center of attention in any house, but Nendo’s home flips that concept on its head so fast that now you would only want a house where the staircase is the fundamental and spiritual pillar of the structure. The style in which this house is built invites a lot of warmth, light, and nature without feeling trapped like Harry Potter was in his room under the staircase.

The staircase starts right from the roof, the upper part is a semi-outdoor greenhouse and as you go down, it diagonally connects every level (and provides ample space for the owners 8 cats!) organically and then casually extends all the way out onto the street. This house makes me feel like even if I was quarantined in it, I wouldn’t feel like I am indoors all day because of how well it is designed. You’d think the oversized staircase would be jarring on your eyes but it surprisingly has a gentle demeanor that instantly resonates with you, maybe because staircases are a symbol of connection and moving upward…and also where many of us may have nostalgic moments that are sometimes the defining steps of our lives (just like 12-year-old Mr. Potter).

Designer: Nendo

The house encourages natural ventilation and balances the urban setting with peaceful greens.

The stairway not only makes the house stand out visually but it also conceals the functional parts of the home, offset to the north side, from the street.

The stairway house is a blend of traditional and modern Japanese aesthetic – the lush greens inside and outside harmonize well with the monochrome and concrete interior design.

So the staircase is connecting each family member and each corner of the house among themselves but also with the outside world.

stairway house

Staircase Designs That Will Uplift Any Space: Part 2

Posted on 23/05/2019 by Neha Mistry

We recently read an article where the staircase of a restaurant was demolished by the local authorities because it was constructed illegally. What this meant was, that the seating area on the first floor was inaccessible. Ingenuity struck the owners, and they hired a de-commissioned Double-decker bus and parked it in such a way that the patrons could climb up the stairs of the bus and reach the top floor seating. The point here is to look at staircases as more than just means of getting up and down between two floors. Designers put in a lot of thought and craft behind their staircase vision. We have curated some iconic staircases for you, so let us know what you think about them.