Stairs & Staircases

Stair cases have played an important roll in our lives for thousands and thousands of years. It is suspected that the concept of the stair case was originally developed around 6000bc.

The first stair cases were created from wooden trunks that fitted together. They were design to acquire strategic positions for survival.

The shape and style of staircases has been changed and modified over the years to keep up with current architecture trends. When you look at different designs that have been created throughout history you can’t help but be amazed by the talent displayed when it is compared to the current technology that was available to build them at the time.

Modern Stair Case Design

The concept of designing staircases from more than just a functional perspective but also for aesthetic design came about at the end of the nineteenth century. At this time they were mainly constructed using wood and metal.

Staircase design was given a sleek and futuristic look be Eva Jiricna who introduced the concept of constructing staircases from glass and stainless steel in the late 1980’s.

Although staircases were originally designed as a practical construction with a specific function, staircases are now appreciated for their architectural qualities and their design can be seen more as a work of art.

A good architect will try to incorporate both safety and aesthetics into a staircase design. A unique staircase design is at the mercy of the imagination of the designer. Some of the most impressive staircase designs were created by designers who discard conventions and unleash their creative flair. In doing so, their designs become the focal point of the room and naturally draw attention to themselves as a conversation point. Stair cases can also have a unique aspect from the types of materials that are used to create them. Glass and very unusual wood are a few examples of purposefully chosen materials in staircase development to create a structure that stands out and says ‘look at me’. A successful unique staircase design can be considered an artwork and sculpture.

Considerations of good staircase design

When designing a staircase the following concepts should be considered:

• Style- Although you want a unique style you need to consider the rest of the room and ensure that the design of the home as a whole flows properly
• Needs-Additional needs such as storage etc also need to be taken into consideration before constructing a staircase.
• Lighting-If you are going to go to the trouble of creating a unique staircase design you want it to be seen. Good lighting can make all the difference to a design. Consider what natural light the area receives and then decided whether additional artificial lighting is required.
• Floor surface-The stairs should match the other floor surfaces in the home of constancy of design.
• Safety-Stairs have always been known as a major safety hazard around the home. Although you want a unique design you need to ensure that it is safe and meets government regulations. This is particularly important for homes in which there are small children or elderly people.

Staircase Considerations

Staircases have many variations, allowing you to find the perfect design for the style and functionality of your home. You could have a staircase in a particular fashion, from classical designs to traditional types, contemporary and modern stairs. Then you can choose the materials that will most complement your home or business, including timber, stainless steel, wrought iron, and glass, or a combination of materials. You also have to consider who will be using the stairs and how much traffic it will be subjected to in order to determine how wide the treads should be and what type of handrail to add.

Then there is the style of the balustrades (horizontal, vertical, decorative, panels?) and the material it is made of. You would have to think about the space that they staircase will take up- should it be straight, curved, or spiral?

Straight Staircases

There are several types of straight staircases, depending on the number of flights, landings, and changes of direction in the design. A straight run stair is one without any turns or winders and with only one straight flight. A Two Straight Run Stair consists of two straight flights and one landing, but without any turns. A Quarter Turn Stair has two straight flights connected by quaterspace landing that allows for a 90° turn.

A Half Winding Stair consists of one flight with one half winder with a 180° turn. The Half Turn Stair also has a 180° turn, consisting of two flights connected by a halfspace landing. A Two Quarter Winding Stair consists of one flight with two quarter winders, each making a 90° turn. The Two Quarter and Three Quarter Turn Stair consists of one flight with two or three quarter winders respectively, the former making a 180° turn and the latter a 270° turn.

The Double Return Stair has one straight flight toa wide quaterspace landing and two side flights from that landing extending in opposite directions, making a 90° turn.