Lifts, Stairs & Balustrades
What to consider when
replacing a staircase
“Staircases are now a priority for both
architects and homeowners,” says
Richard McLane of Bisca. “Arguably
the staircase is more important than
the kitchen or bathroom as it is often
the first thing you see when entering
the house and is usually the only way
of travelling between floors. Kitchens
and bathrooms end up being ripped
out and replaced as fashions and taste
change; however a staircase is integral
to the architecture of the building and,
designed well, should last as long as the
building remains standing”
There are many reasons to replace
a staircase; rearrangement of living
space, modern living in an older
72
property, changing the flow of traffic
and opening up the hallway to let in
more light are just a few of them.
Space is one of the defining factors
when designing a staircase and is
increasingly at a premium in homes.
A staircase specialist like Bisca will
evaluate the area in the context of your
home and your needs. The position
and configuration of the staircase
depend on entrances and exits and
the flow of traffic and, while it is often
assumed that spirals have the smallest
footprint, alternative layouts such as a
helical staircase may be equally space-
efficient.