[01]
Project Overview
Central spine staircase with an Oak quarter landing and volute handrail
The Retreat is a stunning oak-framed new build, and the staircase had to match the ambition of the house around it. Rising through a double-height hallway framed by exposed oak beams and full-height glazing, this central spine staircase makes an immediate impression the moment you walk through the door. Natural oak, black steel, and a custom volute handrail that sweeps elegantly from the concrete entrance steps to the landing above.
One of our favourite projects, and it's easy to see why.
STRINGS
Black powder-coated central spine
NEWEL POST
None, replaced by volute handrail
BALUSTRADE
16mm solid bar spindles
HANDRAIL
All oak finished with clear lacquer to retain natural oak colour
FEATURE
Solid Oak 112mm chunky treads
A handrail that had to flow through three different planes without missing a beat
The space looked generous from the outside, but the practical constraints were significant. The gap between the trimmer and the glazing was tight, leaving very little room to work with at the base of the staircase. More demanding still, the handrail needed to transition smoothly from the feature concrete entrance treads, up the raking flight, and onto the landing, changing direction and pitch without any awkward breaks or visual interruptions.
A standard component simply wouldn't cut it.
[02]
The Challenge
A custom helical volute, made to fit and built to last
We designed and manufactured a bespoke helical volute handrail component to navigate the transition at the base of the stairs, allowing the oak handrail to sweep continuously from the concrete treads through the turn and up the full flight without a single join showing. The central steel spine was fabricated to sit precisely within the tight glazing clearance, and the 112mm solid oak treads were fitted and lacquered on site to ensure a clean, consistent finish throughout. The result is a staircase that feels completely at home in a house of this quality — warm, considered, and built without compromise.
[03]
The Solution
Words from the client
We couldn’t be happier with our staircase! The black steel and natural oak are a perfect mix, and the chunky oak treads feel super solid and look amazing. We especially love the custom handrail at the bottom—it’s such a unique touch and flows beautifully around a tricky tight space. The team really nailed the look we wanted, making everything fit just right from the landing to the concrete treads. The whole staircase has this modern, stylish feel without losing that warm oak vibe. So glad we chose them for this project!
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