Richard McLane, Design Director at Bisca acknowledges this new trend: “White painted bespoke plaster balustrades, soffits and scotia are very popular at the moment, quite possibly as a result of the resurgence of Georgian style architecture. They can add a wonderfully sculptural shape to a room, like a work of art.”
In this project, the client owned two flats – one above the other – and wanted to join them in order to double the living area and create a vertical dialogue between the two floors. As with all London properties, space was at a premium and a spiral staircase seemed to be the most obvious solution. It’s a common misconception that when space is limited the only option is to have a spiral staircase. However, if cleverly designed, a tight helical staircase can fit into the same space and has the added advantage of being much more comfortable to use.
In addition, this staircase was to be situated in the heart of the home where it would be visible from several angles so the look of the staircase was as important as its function. A feature staircase commands attention and it is important that it looks stunning from all angles. With spirals, the design element can be lacking and there was a danger that in this case a spiral staircase could end up looking like a fire escape lurking in the corner of the room.
Bisca proposed a slim helical staircase of oak treads and risers with a white-painted bespoke plaster balustrade and a sculptural soffit to create the desired architectural masterpiece. The helical design maximises the width and the recessed hand rail further increases the useable width of the stairs. The handrails are highlighted by LED lighting. Adding light to a staircase can dramatically change the aesthetics, not only of the staircase itself but of the whole area which in this case is viewed from above and below. The property has high, ornate ceilings, the helical design fixed at only head and foot, punches through the ceiling, retaining and preserving much of the traditional detailing.
01439 771 702