Location: South Kilworth, Leicestershire
Architect: ATP Design
Description: Floating Staircase
The design concept from the Architect for this staircase, was to make a feature of the passage from one floor of the house to the next using a staircase that didn’t touch the ground floor.
The design envisaged a series of diminishing timber hoops that would encapsulate the whole of the staircase, looping under the treads and risers, extending through the floor structure and being visible on the upper floor. The user would thus move from the ground floor to the upper floor as if walking through a tunnel made of wood-clad spindles.
In the sketches for the finished design, the staircase was hung by a series of steel hoops fixed to the landing above. This results in the staircase not having any vertical support from the ground floor, giving the appearance that the staircase is floating
Two steel stringers were then introduced to follow the step profile and connect to the four steel hoops. To these, timber treads and risers were added to create the staircase.
In the final design, the only visible steelwork was the stringers on the underside of the staircase. The staircase is ultra-modern, a true feature in the room and a piece of art to those appreciative of structural engineering.
Great pleasure and potentially impossible dreams can be created when architects design structures to defy the expected, challenge the norm and push the boundaries of gravity. This was one of those occasions and the outcome is a truly stunning feature staircase.
Testimonial: Bob Nibb – Frontline Fabrications
We have worked with Gary on a number of projects and have always found him and his services to be professional and thorough in methodology, approach and application. With all projects, there are unexpected discoveries and bends in the road – especially when working on older buildings. Gary approaches these issues by offering solutions, contacts who would be able to help, and a general ‘can do’ optimism. Regarding this particular project, Gary was involved throughout, from brief, through design, fabrication and even attended the installation. He is always available and gives willingly his time, be that on the end of the phone or for site visits. But, above all, he is genuinely a good person, which underpin his wide and deep knowledge of structural engineering.
