Spine Staircase with laminated glass | Case Study

When designing any home renovation, choosing the right staircase to complement the interior is key for setting off your new home in its best light.

In order to realise the vision of a feature staircase in their large-scale barn conversion, the Barrett family enlisted the support of First Steps, a leading expert in the design, manufacture and fitting of bespoke staircase renovations.


Following an initial consultation with Nathaniel, a comprehensive step by step plan was drawn up to make their dream a reality.

The absence of structural walls helped to define the project ideas with the plan quickly evolving into a fantastic floating effect spine staircase to achieve the desired open plan effect. This included a quarter landing turn with a solid thick oak platform for the perfect fit in the allocated space and the ultimate luxury finish to the project.

To reflect light and further emphasise the floating effect, frame less glass balustrades were fitted directly to the solid oak treads with solid end cap fixings cut from the same oak as the tread in order to provide consistency of grain and a true embedded glass finish.


All in all, this oak glass staircase with steel spine, blends beautifully into the side of the room, providing a cosy nook beneath it in which to relax and curl up with a book or simply enjoy the uninterrupted views over the picturesque countryside from the adjacent floor to ceiling windows. The steel-oak frame provides a solid classic yet modern look which is perfectly in keeping with the rest of this stylish barn conversion home.


In contrast, the glass balustrade reflects light from the large floor to ceiling barn window, illuminating the space and giving the illusion of a floating effect. A handrail was added at a later point for safety purposes by the client- this is something that we personally would recommend be installed by ourselves at the time of installation in order to provide the highest quality product.

Completion of the design project also included advice regarding the fixing points required on the upstairs landing as well as the base plate needed for the staircase to rest upon.
A thorough survey was then made of the property by the design team before drawing up a final plan including 3D drawings and visualisation for signing off by the client.


Mr and Mrs Barrett are delighted with the end product and service. As Mr Barrett agreed “the attention to detail and quality of installation have provided us with a beautiful staircase that completes the conversion and is a bespoke feature in its own right as well as being functional and stylish.”


If you are planning your own staircase project, why not get in touch today with us today to see how we can help you design your perfect staircase renovation. As a leading provider of staircase renovations, we have generations of experience in designing, planning, manufacturing and installing bespoke designer staircases. Our team of highly trained design consultants and professional installers would love to help you realise your dream staircase renovation project.

Learn more about our Spine Staircase Range by clicking here

If you would like further details on how to turn your dream staircase project into reality then why not get in touch today to see how we can help you.

01782 959300

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