Ed Rhys-Hurn from Zakuna explains the benefits of collaboration with interior designers, architects and contractors early on in the stair design process to avoid challenges presented by design, regulations and installation issues
Regardless of the chosen method of construction for the property, when planning a staircase, choosing a manufacturer and specifying the stair design must be undertaken at an early stage. In addition to complying with building regulations, layout, function, practicality, safety, budget and materials palette are all principal factors to be considered, whether it’s for a new build property or a renovation project.
Considerations need to be made to ensure the weight of the flight is supported within the house. Wall typology, structural integrity and an engineering perspective are critical issues. Floor design and construction will need to accommodate the significant load bearing weights and its compression strength may need to be confirmed. In addition, the structural integrity of the stair design itself, the structural opening, size available and squareness of the walls are key factors that need to be clarified.
The choice of stair style can also affect certain requirements. For example, a cantilevered staircase will need considerations for the wall structure, a two-stage installation process and finishing. For a hung staircase or a self-supporting stair design, calculations to the fixing points and how the staircase will fit within the opening need to be considered. A free standing, central spine staircase can be a good solution for a renovation project, if the walls are not completely plumb.
For renovation projects, removing existing stairs and replacing them with new stairs to the same configuration is a fairly simple process in terms of specification, as the run, rise, and pitch can be replicated, knowing that the structural integrity and layout of the house remains unchanged. Any new stairway that involves changing the structural integrity of the home must comply with building regulations and will need a structural engineer to provide calculations.
Staircase design
The design of the stairs will affect the overall floor plan, flow of traffic and use of the interior space. Understanding who will be using the staircase heavily influences the design, for instance, closed steps are more advisable than open risers if a user suffers from acrophobia (fear of falling), especially if two flights are required.
The staircase can be a major element of the internal scheme, creating a beautiful focal point or simply making the best use of space. This can impact windows, doors, upper rooms and surrounding areas. Modern self-supporting staircases can include the possibility for configurations that may not have been previously possible with traditional stair designs. The design of a staircase can also influence other factors within the property. For example, open risers, central string spines and glass balustrades will open up the stairway, introducing maximum levels of light into the interior. Choosing certain tread thicknesses and tread styles can help meet Building Regulation requirements.
With an extensive choice of modern designs, precision engineered and flawless in fabrication, there are many styles that will create a dramatic and stylish effect. The configuration can have a surprising influence on the overall aesthetics. Spiral, helical, floating, cantilevered, freestanding, winders, half or quarter landings – there are many design options to consider.
Central spine stairs are self-supporting, have no visible fixing element and are versatile in configuration; straight flights with landings, to helical stairs with winders. With the treads fixed on top of the central string, this will give the look of a seamless ‘floating staircase’ for a contemporary feel.
The cantilever is a true floating staircase, designs are generally complemented by frameless glass, glass with handrails, spindles or railings. The simplistic design of overhanging treads can give the illusion of more space within a room, allowing the designer or architect to create some very striking design concepts.
In some situations, it is possible to combine two styles of stair into one staircase design. For example, one client wanted a floating effect staircase, with a configuration that could not be accommodated due to the structural requirements. The solution was to design a cantilevered staircase ascending from the ground floor. Combining this with the open rise style of the Challenger staircase continued the floating effect, while the design of the steel strings connected to the sides creates a seamless transition. Two quarter landings were incorporated, one suspended from the first floor and the other fixed to the wall, suspended above the floating stairs.
Stairs with strings fixed from the sides can both be classic and contemporary in style and consist of laser cut steel strings which can be straight for a modern, angular feel or twisted to create a double turn S shape staircase or a helical staircase. The popular Zig Zag style stair can be an architectural centrepiece in any home or commercial property.
Stairs with supporting strings under treads are also extremely versatile, they can be traditional or contemporary by just using small specification changes.
Curved staircases incorporate curved strings, with curved glass balustrades, or railings for a sweeping stylish effect. These true classic designs can create a modern centrepiece.
Spiral stairs are not just space efficient, they can also be a focal point to any architecture. They are similar in nature to a helical stair configuration, except the treads wind around a centre post.
In addition to the stair style, the choice of steel railings, glass balustrades, or colour matching the spine and hardwood treads to interior doors and flooring, will complement the interior design scheme. LED lighting can be neatly concealed under each tread which creates dramatic lines and opens up the architecture of the stairs.
Ed Rhys-Hurn is managing director at Zakuna