Architectural Elements: How to Create a Truly Beautiful Staircase

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In some projects, stairs are simply an avenue, providing a means of ingress or egress for inhabitants. In others, they’re sculptural, edgy, minimal or mesmerizing architectural elements that can inject character into a project unlike anything else. If you are an architect that believes in making the most of a staircase, consider these specialist manufacturers and their innovative staircase products — from individual components to complete systems — for your next project.

Glass Treads by Nathan Allan Glass Studios can create an ethereal look and also transmit light to the space below.

Nathan Allan Glass Studios: Glass Treads

The glass specialist offers treads and flooring with two different surface options: Glass Sandpaper creates extra grip by fusing glass particles onto the walking surface, while the Silken finish provides grip via patterns with a lightly etched coating. Both are laboratory-tested to exceed ADA requirements for slip-coefficiency.

EeStairs offers this balustrade with different levels of openness to meet various design and safety needs.

EeStairs®: Cells Organic Balustrade System

Cells by EeStairs is an intricate balustrade design of organic shape outlines. The system can be customized for straight or helical staircases, with smaller or larger cells, and in any RAL color.

Cosentino’s Dekton material is super durable for foot traffic and is highly cleanable.

Cosentino: Dekton

The ultra-compact surface is composed of glass, porcelain, and quartz that have undergone a proprietary process of extreme heat and pressure (called Particle Sintering Technology). Suitable for a variety of uses, from exterior cladding to countertops, this durable and easy-to-maintain and -clean material makes a great alternative to stone, metal, wood, or concrete stair treads because it can mimic all of the above.

CRL-U.S. Aluminum’s SRS standoff railing system creates a chic indoor or outdoor stair balustrade.

CRL-U.S. Aluminum: SRS Standoff Railing System

Well-suited to both commercial and residential projects, this glass railing system can be mounted on most approved substrates and is manufactured to meet or exceed building code requirements. Standoff hardware can be finished with flush/flat or domed caps to complement various project styles.

Marretti’s Cloud staircase combines Corian, stainless steel, and glass.

Marretti: Cloud

Marretti’s latest model features Corian treads with inset stainless steel and a banister in extra-clear structural glass. The Corian is available in additional colors and can also be swapped out for wood or resin in different finishes and colors.

Floating Stairs from EeStairs

EeStairs: Floating Stairs

The Floating Stairs system attaches treads to the wall at one side. While the other side can be left unsupported, there are numerous options for adding a rail. The treads can be executed in wood, glass, stone, or other materials.

Halliday+Baillie’s stair rail brackets

Halliday+Baillie: Handrail Brackets

Offered in aluminum or stainless steel, Halliday+Baillie’s stair rail brackets can be mounted to walls, glass, or panel materials. The units come in round and square styles in various sizes and concealed or exposed hardware. Model HB 525 can also accommodate wiring for under-rail lighting.

GKD’s Baltic mesh used to enclose and screen a helical staircase

GKD-USA: Baltic

GKD’s metal fabrics are frequently used for facades, screens, solar control, column covers, ceilings, and walls. But the durable material is also ideal for staircase enclosures. Shown is the Baltic mesh, which is composed of AISI Type 316 stainless steel and features an open area of 38 percent.

Bisca sculpts its bespoke staircases in a range of materials such as green oak (left), walnut (right), and glass.

Bisca: Bespoke Staircases
British company Bisca provides custom staircases of every style, from straight-run to cantilevered and spiral, and traditional to rustic or modern. Materials are also fully customizable — from wood to glass — provided they meet code.

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