Architectural Spiral Staircases For Your Home
An architectural spiral staircase can create an eye-catching feature in your home. These staircases have been famous amongst architects for hundreds of years and continue to be incorporated into contemporary design plans.
Architectural Spiral Staircase - A Brief History
The first recorded mention of a spiral staircase dates back to nearly 1,000 BC, where the Old Testament refers to a spiral staircase located in the temple of Solomon. The oldest spiral staircase still exists and can be found at Trajan's Column in Rome, dating back to 113 AD.
The first spiral staircases were built directly into the walls of the building, crafted from marble and stone. As well as being visually striking, architectural spiral staircases had a more serious purpose, making it difficult for attackers to climb. The narrowness of the spiral staircase means attackers could only ascend one at a time, creating a mass assault impossible. In a castle, the staircase would always turn in a clockwise direction which also caused problems for attackers. Their sword arm (the right) would be against the narrowest part, making it difficult for them to use it properly, unlike the defenders, who could easily use their swords in a downward motion to ward them off.
During Roman times, spiral staircases began to resemble the freestanding version we are most likely to see used in architecture today. Because they were a feature in castles - the homes of kings and queens - spiral staircases were seen as a desirable feature of any home.
Nowadays, architectural spiral staircases are crafted from a wide variety of materials such as wood, glass, steel, and concrete and are incorporated into many building designs, including offices, public buildings, and personal dwellings.
What is the difference between a spiral staircase and a helical staircase?
Phola Spiral Stair Kit (1600 mm)
If the staircase boasts a central post or column with treads winding around it, this is a spiral staircase. The treads on a helical staircase, however, will wind around a void.
What's the cost of a spiral staircase?
How much you'll pay for a spiral staircase hugely depends on several factors, such as the material used, the staircase's height, and the stairs' width. The labour rate for installation will also influence the total cost, ranging from around £800 to £20,000. The design factors will affect the finished floor-to-floor height, the angle of rotation, the diameter and where the staircase will be located. Balustrades and handrails should also be factored into the design.
Are spiral staircases safe?
Some people feel wary of installing an architectural spiral staircase in their home because they feel it may be less safe than a regular one. However, providing the spiral staircase has been properly installed according to the required regulations, and the user is comfortable ascending and descending, they are perfectly safe to use.
*Please note that Loft Centre does not provide services to install spiral staircases.
The many uses of architectural spiral staircases
Phola Deluxe Spiral Stair Kit (1400 mm)
There are many reasons why a person might wish to incorporate a spiral staircase into the design of their home. They are incredibly space efficient and can provide straightforward, permanent access to unused space. A spiral staircase can be customised to meet a consumer's unique needs. They are inexpensive compared to the costs of installing a more traditional staircase in the home while adding value, thanks to their aesthetic appeal. Take our Phola Spiral staircase, crafted from a quality beech and contracted with tough steel to create a sophisticated look.
Architectural spiral staircase designs
Open spiral staircases are minimalistic and simple and great for those short on space as they can make rooms look more significant thanks to their sleek, unfussy design and open feel. Our Gamia Metal Spiral Kit, for example, is ultra-modern and versatile, making it an ideal choice for many interiors.
Closed spiral staircases are more traditional and can feel luxurious by crafting from rich materials. However, it's important to ensure they keep the room manageable.
Industrial-type staircases perfectly complement more rustic styles and can give a cool, edgy look to the home.
A square spiral staircase almost sounds like a contradiction, but these designs are becoming more popular thanks to their practicality and unique look.
Are you looking for an architectural spiral staircase for your home?
If you are looking for a beautifully designed yet robust and durable architectural spiral staircase for your home, why not browse the range from Loft Centre today. We are proud to stock a wide range of stunning spiral staircases to give our customers plenty of choices. If you need help deciding or have any questions about any of the products in our collection, our customer team is here to help - get in touch today!