LIFTS, STAIRS & BALUSTRADE
BISCA REVEALS KEY ARCHITECTURAL PRINCIPLES FOR DESIGNING A SHOWSTOPPING STAIRCASE
Celebrating 30 years of bespoke staircase innovation, UK-based specialists Bisca continue to redefine architectural boundaries. A recent project; the conversion of several agricultural grain silos in Yorkshire, exemplifies their approach to integrating form, function, and emotion into staircase design.
STAIRCASE HIGHLIGHTS
• Staircase Type: Single-flight helical with sweeping cut-string treads
• Materials: Oak, curved glass and steel with waxed metallic effect
• Challenge: Achieving a uniform liquid finish across diverse materials
“ The staircase achieves exactly what I’ d envisaged and even more.“- Property Developer
DESIGNING WITH PURPOSE
• Structural: Concealed steelworks and plating minimise deflection
• Aesthetic: A large, central wall creates a solid yet delicate structure
• Logistics: Delivered in three main parts using bespoke fabricated trolleys
“ Success begins in the earliest stages of planning,” says Richard McLane, founder and design director at Bisca.“ Architectural context, structure, and materials all matter- but equally important is understanding a client’ s emotional vision.”
In this latest project, the brief was ambitious; to create a central sculptural staircase resembling a bolt of lightning, descending through a glass roof into the heart of the interconnected silos.
TAKING A STAIRCASE DESIGN FROM CONCEPT TO REALITY
According to McLane, marrying technical precision with creative ambition is essential.“ Both must work hand in hand, where buildability is fully integrated to the concept design phase, ensuring both practical and personal aspirations are transformed into a reality.”
Each Bisca staircase begins with detailed site surveys and early collaboration with architects, interior designers and contractors. This ensures a clear and collective vision can be formulated from day one.
“ It is this collaboration and careful planning that sparks the creativity needed to make a staircase truly unforgettable. To see a staircase concept finally come into its true form is always a deeply rewarding experience.” Richard concludes.
www. bisca. co. uk
THE OUTCOME
A visually light helical staircase rises from the ground floor, resting on a single, point of contact as it meets ground level. The building’ s steel frame was specified to accommodate actual staircase loadings, making the client’ s chosen design a reality from the start. A bespoke metallic finish was applied to the staircase’ s central steel wall and perfectly matched to an elegant handrail using bonded polymers; lighting was integrated within the inner handrail to highlight its form and the patina of the feature wall.
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