From folding and floating stairs to stunning spiral and steel-encrusted staircases. Taking things “one step at a time” has never looked more enticing with these 5 spectacular staircases
1. Cascade Terrace: timber and white painted steel staircase
Renovated by Sam Crawford Architects, this sinuous staircase is one example of how spectacular staircases can complement a home’s layout. The staircase spirals through a three level Terrace House in Sydney. Comprising white-painted steel and timber, the staircase is an exceptional feat of engineering. The wide and shallow treads promote easy access to all three levels of the home. Every sixth step is also made from structural steel covered in timber. As a result, the spiral form and a vaulted skylight above draw light deep into the spaces below. “The main staircase is effectively a work of art,” the owners enthuse. “It delights us each day and night. We continue to marvel at its construction and how it could have been achieved within the footprint of a terrace house.” Photography by Brett Boardman. samcrawfordarchitects.com.au
2. Palheiro House: suspended metal staircase in a fisherman’s house
An optical illusion or a sculptural staircase? This interesting set of stairs appear as both! Located on Esmoriz Beach in Portugal is a contemporary fisherman’s house, known as a “Palheiro”. Inside are lightweight, suspended metal stairs dividing the living space and kitchen. The staircase becomes more than a means of vertical circulation. It also serves as a visual and functional anchor that shapes the interior experience. The metal treads stop just above the kitchen island benchtop. It leads onto a secondary staircase attached to the floor and affixed to the island. Design by Pedro Henrique Arquiteto. Photography by Ivo Tavares Studio. pedrohenriquearquiteto.com; ivotavares.net
3. Folding Staircase: compact bamboo space-saving staircase
The Bcompact foldable staircase is an engineering marvel designed for homes and offices. It boasts a patented mechanism that merges strength with compactness. The lateral folding motion optimises space and facilitates movement to different areas in your home. The design integrates inventive elements. These include the bifold handrail embellished with stainless-steel, brass or alloy hardware accents. Additionally, the staircase offers the choice of an automatic or spring-loaded gate. It even offers a special finish for outdoor use. Crafted in Tuggerah, NSW, these Australian-made staircases harness the tensile strength of bamboo. Also, the swift renewability of bamboo makes for an incredible sustainable choice. From each component used or repurposed for other projects, it is essentially waste-free. bcompact.com/folding-staircase
4. Skywalk Apartment: spectacular staircases in a multifaceted plaster spiral design
This multifaceted staircase connects five distinct interior spaces over three levels. It provides a vertical expedition to its occupants and spans the ground to the first floors. Juxtaposed by the patina of oxidised steel treads is a hand-finished spiral stairwell. Through the infinite plaster spiral, time seems to alter. Moving from the first to the second floor, the stairs change to include steel stringers and steel tube handrails. The volume, tactile materials and pauses between levels and junctions promote a resonance between old and new. Designed by Henry Francis and Sonya Pletes for Henry Francis Design. Photography by Andrew Richey. henryfrancisdesign.com
5. Castle Hill House: concrete and timber LED-lit stairs
Built by Gremmo Homes and inspired by principles of industrial and brutalist design, this dwelling is punctuated by a spectacular staircase that marries concrete with timber. The Marble slabs created the several stairs that connect the varying levels throughout the ground floor. They also sit at the base of the main floating staircase. It features spotted gum treads that cantilever from the formed concrete wall through recessed steel beams. Stainless-steel wire acts as a balustrade, enhancing the cantilevered treads floating effect. The soft LED lighting to the handrail highlights the texture of the concrete wall. The staircase’s detailing is immense, having low tolerance for error in its implementations. Interior design by Douglas Design. gremmohomes.com.au; douglasdesign.com.au
