Our top three staircase design ideas for the workplace

As a bespoke staircase manufacturer here at Spiral UK we have a whole host of staircase projects behind us that evidence this key element of workplace design from huge helical staircases with trailing plants over the balustrade, to oxygenate the air and boost employee wellbeing, to stairs melting into molten lava or intricate Georgian style balustrades. Our wide-ranging experience in the design, manufacture and installation of office staircases makes us well placed to share some of our top staircase design ideas for the workplace.

1) Curved or helical staircase designs

Helical staircases never grow old from joining office floors by curving out into an atrium to making a magnificent impact when entering a building this arcing style of staircase never fails to impress and can be classical or modern in its look depending on the style of balustrade and choice of materials.

We are currently working on a refurbishment project involving a beautifully understated and tasteful helical stairs in offices near St James Park that suit the Georgian architecture of the area. Rising over five storeys the staircase will be clad in stone with bronze painted steel spindles and French polished timber handrails. This image of a 3D render shows what it will look like.

The use of white, satin polished stainless steel, glass and translucent risers in this image of the entrance staircase for the European Space Agency Headquarters near Oxford suited the light, clinical and sleek design of the workspace.

Whereas for this Investment bank’s offices in London the reclaimed timber balustrade on the steel helical staircase reflected the business’ sustainable values and made a striking design statement connecting two floors in a stylish and functional manner.

2) Spiral staircase designs

Full height balustrade on spiral staircases (the ones with the treads coming off a core pole) are very popular at the moment they create a great design feature and define spaces with their uncompromising resistance to open plan light sharing designs. Users are directed from one clearly defined area of the office to another. Their footprint also means they can be an effective space saving device. The orange spiral stairs in this picture were created for a student hub moving students from the entrance to the study area on a mezzanine above in a safe, functional and stylish manner.

3) Variations on a straight

Dog-legged, spine beam, single beam, open riser, quarter turn, half turn, tapered treads, floating. The straight staircase doesn’t have to be boring.

The tapered treads on this straight staircase for Sony Interactive offices in London were designed to look like they were sinking into a lava floor with frosted glass risers and blue powder coated finish the staircase suited the interior branding of this office refurbishment perfectly.

By contrast the clean lines and two-tone colours on this staircase for offices in London Wall Place were smart and effective. The full height black inner balustrade is distinct against the soft oak treads and outer glass balustrade, with the white outer stringer and oak handrail capping adding an attractive touch.