Photo of a large contemporary u-shaped staircase in Miami with glass railing.

TG-Studio tackled the brief to create a light and bright space and make the most of the unusual layout by designing a new central staircase, which links the six half-levels of the building. A minimalist design with glass balustrades and pale wood treads connects the upper three floors consisting of three bedrooms and two bathrooms with the lower floors dedicated to living, cooking and dining. The staircase was designed as a focal point, one you see from every room in the house. It’s clean, angular lines add a sculptural element, set off by the minimalist interior of the house. The use of glass allows natural light to flood the whole house, a feature that was central to the brief of the Norwegian owner. Photography: Philip Vile

Photo of a contemporary wood u-shaped staircase in New York with wood risers.

Jeri Koegel
This is an example of a contemporary staircase in Orange County.

Derek Skalko
This is an example of a modern wood staircase in Denver with open risers and glass railing.

Photo of a modern u-shaped staircase in Melbourne.

Photography-Hedrich Blessing Glass House: The design objective was to build a house for my wife and three kids, looking forward in terms of how people live today. To experiment with transparency and reflectivity, removing borders and edges from outside to inside the house, and to really depict “flowing and endless space”. To construct a house that is smart and efficient in terms of construction and energy, both in terms of the building and the user. To tell a story of how the house is built in terms of the constructability, structure and enclosure, with the nod to Japanese wood construction in the method in which the concrete beams support the steel beams; and in terms of how the entire house is enveloped in glass as if it was poured over the bones to make it skin tight. To engineer the house to be a smart house that not only looks modern, but acts modern; every aspect of user control is simplified to a digital touch button, whether lights, shades/blinds, HVAC, communication/audio/video, or security. To develop a planning module based on a 16 foot square room size and a 8 foot wide connector called an interstitial space for hallways, bathrooms, stairs and mechanical, which keeps the rooms pure and uncluttered. The base of the interstitial spaces also become skylights for the basement gallery. This house is all about flexibility; the family room, was a nursery when the kids were infants, is a craft and media room now, and will be a family room when the time is right. Our rooms are all based on a 16’x16’ (4.8mx4.8m) module, so a bedroom, a kitchen, and a dining room are the same size and functions can easily change; only the furniture and the attitude needs to change. The house is 5,500 SF (550 SM)of livable space, plus garage and basement gallery for a total of 8200 SF (820 SM). The mathematical grid of the house in the x, y and z axis also extends into the layout of the trees and hardscapes, all centered on a suburban one-acre lot.

Contemporary carpeted staircase in London with carpet risers.

Contemporary curved staircase in London.

The steps of the staircase are mirrored by the horizontal ledges of the wall. Moroccan lamps light up the base of the staircase.
Design ideas for a contemporary u-shaped staircase in Orange County.

This exceptional log home is remotely located and perfectly situated to complement the natural surroundings. The home fully utilizes its spectacular views. Our design for the homeowners blends elements of rustic elegance juxtaposed with modern clean lines. It’s a sensational space where the rugged, tactile elements highlight the contrasting modern finishes.

Custom staircase with wood cap, stainless handrail, LED lighting at each tread.
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary u-shaped staircase in San Francisco with open risers.

This is an example of a contemporary wood l-shaped staircase in Other with painted wood risers.

Wide plank Hickory flooring and matching custom stair treads - sawn in the USA and available mill-direct from Hull Forest Products - www.hullforest.com. 1-800-928-9602. Photo by Matt Delphenich Architectural Photography

Architect: HSB Architects, Cleveland OH Location: Rocky River, OH Photographer: Scott Pease
Inspiration for a contemporary floating staircase in Cincinnati.

Photography: Andreas Nicholas
Design ideas for a contemporary wood u-shaped staircase in Chicago with wood risers.

A solid walnut curved stair transformed this home during renovations. The open rise treads coupled with curved glass railings offer a stylish modern look. This stair features a stainless steel post system with stunning curved glass bent locally in our glass shop. Solid walnut treads show rich character through diverse wood grain. Curved glass held by stainless steel glass clamps makes a beautiful statement. Photography by Jason Ness

Open riser stair with glass rails is a focal point.
Photo of a large contemporary wood straight staircase in Vancouver with open risers and glass railing.

Pfuner Design, Miami - Oceanfront Penthouse Renata Pfuner pfunerdesign.com
Photo of a large contemporary marble u-shaped staircase in Miami with marble risers and glass railing.