This Just In: Sculptural Spiral Staircase, Sydney, Australia
If you are wondering what kind of stair design you could use to link levels in a narrow terrace house, look no further than the spiral
Susan Redman
22 January 2016
Houzz Australia Editorial Staff; writer, author, dreamer.
At just over three metres wide, it was a challenge to link the multi-levels of this contemporary inner-city terrace house in Sydney without taking up too much valuable floor space with a conventional staircase. But drawing inspiration from the twisting helix common in scientific modelling, architect Carlos Correa of Archistudio Design designed a vertical staircase that would not only be practical but beautiful, too. “As the homeowner is an enthusiastic art collector, the spiral stairs were conceived and designed as sculpture,” says Correa. “They form the main point of attraction for the space and are further enhanced by a large elliptical skylight cut through the ceiling, which introduces natural light to the middle of the house.” Read on for more on what the architect has to say about the stairs’ design and construction.
Project at a Glance
Project name: Little Angel townhouse
The feature we love: A sculptural white spiral staircase
Architect: Carlos Correa of Archistudio Design
Location: Chippendale, Sydney, Australia
Timeframe: The project started early 2014 and was completed late 2014
What was the budget/cost?
$780,000
See more photos of this project
Project name: Little Angel townhouse
The feature we love: A sculptural white spiral staircase
Architect: Carlos Correa of Archistudio Design
Location: Chippendale, Sydney, Australia
Timeframe: The project started early 2014 and was completed late 2014
What was the budget/cost?
$780,000
See more photos of this project
What was the brief for this project?
This house was located in a heritage conservation area
where it wasn’t allowed any additional square metres. To renovate it, I used the existing footprint but continued the roof fall at the back of the property in order to open up a double-storey space. I connected the three levels via a spiral stair. This vertical connection of the three levels was quite an important decision given the narrow space between walls (at just 3.2 metres).
This house was located in a heritage conservation area
where it wasn’t allowed any additional square metres. To renovate it, I used the existing footprint but continued the roof fall at the back of the property in order to open up a double-storey space. I connected the three levels via a spiral stair. This vertical connection of the three levels was quite an important decision given the narrow space between walls (at just 3.2 metres).
Were there any other considerations?
A spiral stair in the middle of the house liberated the side walls from supporting steps. What’s more, it is a clean vertical element accentuating the vertical axis of the space and giving it a sense of spaciousness. The stairs also created a visual separation between the kitchen and dining areas with that of the lounge room. The shape was an aesthetic, but also practical, decision, as it was the most efficient way to connect the three levels, which in turn minimised the loss of internal area.
A spiral stair in the middle of the house liberated the side walls from supporting steps. What’s more, it is a clean vertical element accentuating the vertical axis of the space and giving it a sense of spaciousness. The stairs also created a visual separation between the kitchen and dining areas with that of the lounge room. The shape was an aesthetic, but also practical, decision, as it was the most efficient way to connect the three levels, which in turn minimised the loss of internal area.
How did you achieve this?
The idea of a helical shape came from the necessity to create a functional element. It would also mean that the treads wouldn’t disappear towards the centre of the stairs – as can happen with the columns usually found on spiral stairs. I also liked the concept of creating a sculptural element in the middle of the void as a central focal attraction. Its sensual ascending curved shape gives a sense of dynamism to a static space.
The idea of a helical shape came from the necessity to create a functional element. It would also mean that the treads wouldn’t disappear towards the centre of the stairs – as can happen with the columns usually found on spiral stairs. I also liked the concept of creating a sculptural element in the middle of the void as a central focal attraction. Its sensual ascending curved shape gives a sense of dynamism to a static space.
What were the challenges associated with this staircase?
The construction and engineering was quite challenging. The success of the spiral design was dependent on the thickness of the internal balustrade, which is the main structural support for the whole feature. I wanted to make it as thin as possible in order to create the effect of a sheet of paper bending and floating in the air.
What kind of finishes and materials are used in the construction?
The stair was finished with a white semi-gloss paint finish to make it lighter. The external balustrade is clear glass to minimise the bulk of the stair. And, finally, the treads and risers were finished in oak to integrate the stair with other oak elements in the house.
The construction and engineering was quite challenging. The success of the spiral design was dependent on the thickness of the internal balustrade, which is the main structural support for the whole feature. I wanted to make it as thin as possible in order to create the effect of a sheet of paper bending and floating in the air.
What kind of finishes and materials are used in the construction?
The stair was finished with a white semi-gloss paint finish to make it lighter. The external balustrade is clear glass to minimise the bulk of the stair. And, finally, the treads and risers were finished in oak to integrate the stair with other oak elements in the house.
Describe the success of staircase. What do you love about it?
I do love how the light coming from the skylight above changes the shape of the stair during the day – the different shadows and colours convey a sense of life and sensuality.
I do love how the light coming from the skylight above changes the shape of the stair during the day – the different shadows and colours convey a sense of life and sensuality.
Were there any surprises, secrets or tips discovered or used in the completion of the staircase?
The external glass was designed with a concealed LED light strip on the stair base and along the three levels with a variable dimmer. At night, these light up and the stair appears as a giant candle to illuminate the space.
TELL US
Would you consider a spiral staircase? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
MORE GREAT PROJECTS
Glass Bedroom, Singapore
Transparent Garden Terrace, Moscow, Russia
Peekaboo Stairwell, Fukuoka, Japan
The external glass was designed with a concealed LED light strip on the stair base and along the three levels with a variable dimmer. At night, these light up and the stair appears as a giant candle to illuminate the space.
TELL US
Would you consider a spiral staircase? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
MORE GREAT PROJECTS
Glass Bedroom, Singapore
Transparent Garden Terrace, Moscow, Russia
Peekaboo Stairwell, Fukuoka, Japan
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Great modern design.
Definitely an eye-catcher! Although not something I would instantly consider, you can't help but marvel at the beauty of it.