Formal Staircase, curved and freestanding, gold/silver finish. Designer: Stacy Brotemarkle

A very real concern of many people refurbishing a period property is getting the new interior to sit well in what can effectively be a completely new shell. In this respect staircases are no different and regardless of whether you choose a traditional or contemporary staircase it has to be in empathy with the building and not look like an obvious add on. Executed properly the staircase will update the property and see it confidently through generations to come. In 2014 Bisca were commissioned by Northminster Ltd to work alongside Rachel McLane Interiors and COG Architects in the conversion of a 1930’s car showroom in the heart of York into prestige, residential loft style apartments. There were two clear facets to the redeveloped building, the River Foss facing apartments, which were rather industrial in architectural scale and feel, and the more urban domestic proportions and outlook of the Piccadilly Street facing apartments. The overall theme for the redevelopment was industrial; the differentiator being the level to which the fixtures and fittings of within each apartment or area soften the feel. In keeping with the industrial heritage of the building the main common areas staircase, from basement to ground and ground to first, was carefully designed to be part of the property in its new chapter. Visible from Piccadilly at street level, the staircase is showcased in a huge feature window at ground floor and the design had to be both stunning and functional. As the apartments at the Piccadilly side of the property were fitted with oak units and oak flooring, hardwearing treads of fumed oak were the obvious choice for the staircase timber. The inlaid tread detail provides a non-slip function as well as adding interest. Closed treads and risers are supported by slim and elegant steel structures and sweeping plastered soffits contrasting wonderfully with the warmth of the exposed brickwork. The balustrade is of hand forged, formed and textured uprights capped by a tactile hand carved oak handrail. Bisca have gained a reputation as specialists for staircases in listed or period properties and were proud to be part of the winning team at the recent York Design Awards where Piccadilly Lofts Staircase won the special judges award special award for detail design and craftsmanship

This Boulder, Colorado remodel by fuentesdesign demonstrates the possibility of renewal in American suburbs, and Passive House design principles. Once an inefficient single story 1,000 square-foot ranch house with a forced air furnace, has been transformed into a two-story, solar powered 2500 square-foot three bedroom home ready for the next generation. The new design for the home is modern with a sustainable theme, incorporating a palette of natural materials including; reclaimed wood finishes, FSC-certified pine Zola windows and doors, and natural earth and lime plasters that soften the interior and crisp contemporary exterior with a flavor of the west. A Ninety-percent efficient energy recovery fresh air ventilation system provides constant filtered fresh air to every room. The existing interior brick was removed and replaced with insulation. The remaining heating and cooling loads are easily met with the highest degree of comfort via a mini-split heat pump, the peak heat load has been cut by a factor of 4, despite the house doubling in size. During the coldest part of the Colorado winter, a wood stove for ambiance and low carbon back up heat creates a special place in both the living and kitchen area, and upstairs loft. This ultra energy efficient home relies on extremely high levels of insulation, air-tight detailing and construction, and the implementation of high performance, custom made European windows and doors by Zola Windows. Zola’s ThermoPlus Clad line, which boasts R-11 triple glazing and is thermally broken with a layer of patented German Purenit®, was selected for the project. These windows also provide a seamless indoor/outdoor connection, with 9′ wide folding doors from the dining area and a matching 9′ wide custom countertop folding window that opens the kitchen up to a grassy court where mature trees provide shade and extend the living space during the summer months. With air-tight construction, this home meets the Passive House Retrofit (EnerPHit) air-tightness standard of

Floating staircase in front of window wall. Ken Wyner Photography

Detail of the black stained plywood stair, tension wire balustrade and herringbone pattern carpet runner. Photograph: Kate Beilby

This open staircase features laminate treads and MDF risers and MDF stair runners. The aluminum cable railing is installed on a side mount for additional walking space. Bill Johnson Photography

Eclectic Cantilevered Staircase, Open Homes Photography Inc.

This luxurious contemporary home was completely renovated and updated in 2014 boosts spectacular panoramic views views of San Francisco skyline and the Bay. The home’s top level features a stunning master suite, state of the art bathroom with soaking tub and an immense shower, study, viewing decks, along with an additional en suite. The main level offers a gourmet kitchen featuring top of the line appliances with bay windows to showcase the views of Angel Island, Alcatraz and San Francisco. Additionally the main level includes a formal dining room, spacious living room with fire place, full bar and family room, 1 en suite, powder room and 2 large decks to enjoy breathtaking views. The entry level has an au pair suite, media room, laundry room, 4-car garage, storage and an elevator servicing all levels. presented by Kouros Tavakoli Decker Bullock Sotheby's International Realty http://deckerbullocksir.com presented by Kouros Tavakoli

Upon entering this home, you are greeted by a dramatic grand foyer featuring this sweeping staircase and floating balcony; dark stained oak treads, white risers, smooth hand rails and iron balusters complement beautifully the meticulous craftmanship of the builder and the finest details of the architect. CSC © 1976-2021 Century Stair Company. All rights reserved.

Custom Built three story open stair

Second floor view of rounded floating staircase.