This version of the Equilibrium open staircase exposes the stairs support more than other options. While the use of ‘I’ beams can sometimes seem industrial in design the above project shows its versatility when incorporated into the other design elements of the home. Use of glass balustrades and clever wall lighting further enhances this magnificent Signature Stairs.
Like the cantilever range, this impressive ‘Equilibrium’ open stairs focuses on the elements of floating steps & glass balustrades. The design however is an independent structure and not dependant on concealed structural support from the wallside of the stairs. The ‘stringers’ or main support of the stairs are within the step, as illustrated above. You will notice from our other gallery photograph’s they may also be on the outside of the steps depending on the style the client wants and the structural demands of the layout.
In this project you will notice the stringers (stairs support) are within the step and ‘off-set’ towards the centre of the stairs. These exposed elements are primed ready for finish painting by the client ensuring the stairs is incorporated into the overall design scheme of the home. This particular option from the range is most suited to a stairs layout with a return or quarter landing in it. Structurally we limit the number of continuous steps to 12 or the stairs falls below our strict deflection (bounce) criteria. Other versions of the Equilibrium open staircase can be used for straight flights.
The profile cut or ‘zig-zag’ stringer of this Signature Stairs option makes a powerful design statement. The crisp linear lines of the stairs project a very contemporary style. The mild steel support is primed ready for finish colour by client leaving the scope to either highlight the stringer by use of a strong colour or visually concealing it by matching a wall colour. This option within the range is most suitable to a straight run flight.
The project shown above not only had four different levels between the living areas but it also required the stairs to have a balustrade on both sides of the stairs. A largely open plan living area could have been overpowered by a traditional all timber solid structure but instead this Equilibrium open stairs is a focal point of the interior while not dominating space or taking from the natural light that floods this home.
The seemingly floating steps of the Equilibrium are superbly complimented by the use of clear toughened glass balustrades and subtle matching timber handrails. This finish to the stairs adds to the depth of the hallway by creating the illusion of space and promotes natural lighting. Handrails are made to match your step choice and are typically fit directly down onto the glass balustrade.
It is typical in most projects that there is at least two metres of stairwell guard railing required at the top of the stairs. In this project a double-sided balustrade Equilibrium which is the centre of the hallway on the ground floor rises to the centre of a large gallery area on the first floor. The matching clear toughened glass guard railing not only floods the hall below with light but also provides a sense of openness to the upstairs landing level.
Signature Stairs pride itself on the attention to detail which sets us apart from others. The above detail to the corner of the return landing is typical of the effort we go to make sure the uniform continuous lines of your stairs are exactly as planned and maximise the impact of the finished product.
The distinctive character of the Equilibrium open staircase commands attention but visually will not take from the overall sense of space in a home. The stringer or support for the open tread stairs is cleverly off-set to the inside of the step and partially concealed to give the impression that the steps and glass balustrades are suspended mid-air.
The ‘profile or zig-zag’ shape of the Equilibrium can be partially exposed or concealed depending on the desired style and the stairs layout. Similar to the cantilever, the Equilibrium stairs projects a sense of openness and space while seemingly floating from ground floor to first. The stairs can be finished with any of the balustrades from the Signature Stairs range but typically our frameless glass balustrade is used and finished with either a timber or stainless steel handrail.
The Equilibrium open stairs has a number of design options within the range suited to particular stairwell layouts. The off-set option is best suited to a ‘dog-leg’ layout while the outside stringer version is more apt in a straight flight. Clients are free to customise styles with timber finishes and handrail options. Any visible mild steel structures are filled, sanded & primed ready for the finish colour by the client.
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