METALLART Article | Houses + Beautiful Living | 2024

IN DETAIL | THEY'VE GOT THE HANG OF IT!

Versatile, space-saving, and sculptural:

Spiral or winding staircases are space-saving wonders and design statements.

"Spiral staircases are space-saving geniuses—the first of their kind likely originated in well construction, where they wound their way down along the cylindrical shaft wall around an open center. Later, in the Middle Ages, they tended to go upward:

into the round towers of churches, castles, and fortresses. The open center, also known as the “eye,” distinguishes this type of staircase from its close relative, the spindle staircase, which winds around a supporting central post. As in the Granary House, this particularly compact staircase design requires little floor space due to its small diameter—just a few square meters, depending on the room’s layout.

 With its steps seemingly suspended from the central post and its delicate steel railing, it appears both delicate and artistic. Anyone planning such a walk-on sculpture should nevertheless be aware that the comfort of ascending and descending it is naturally not the same as that of a multi-flight staircase.

The vibration of the steps can be quite strong due to their single-sided suspension, so they should be made of sturdy hardwood. Some people also find the spiral or spiral staircase to be cramped, and the steps taper toward the central post, which can compromise footing.

But what is all that compared to its bold sweep!“”