Staircases

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When designing a staircase for your commercial space or property, there are a number of key decisions you will have to make – most importantly what material the staircase will be constructed from. The traditional material option used was timber, however more architects, homeowners and developers are opting for steel structures as this enables more complex, slender and durable designs to be considered.

Opting for a staircase with metal as its core structure can be a building block for other materials such as stone, glass, timber etc. However, we are seeing an upward trend towards all metal staircase specifications in residential and commercial properties; metal structures are strong, durable and built to last.

Resilience

Timber structures will expand and contract when exposed to heat, humidity and other elements, over time this will distort and loosen the timber and joints. Therefore, timber structures will become noisier and begin to creak. Also, the natural variants in timber result in designs having to be over engineered in terms of section sizes to compensate, this means there can be huge limitations with the design itself when opting for timber.

A steel structure is extremely stable and there’s no need to worry about expansion, contraction or warping. A metal staircase is inherently resistant to all environmental elements including fire and flood which is a key advantage for Architects and Structural Engineers from a safety point of view.

Economical

The evolving pandemic and advances in sustainability has shifted the way architectural design is perceived in 2022. All metal staircase structures are strong, durable and built to last meaning less less need to paint or replace a structural component within a metal staircase as ultimately, metal stairs last longer with minimal maintenance required. A big shift towards sustainability and climate concerns means metal structures are increasingly becoming the preferred choice within the industry.

Versatile designs

Metal is considered far more contemporary and the go to-choice for architects and interior designers. The possibilities of modern metals is vast, the structural integrity of steel means you can incorporate the beauty of timber into your design, through balustrades and timber treads. Architects have been actively incorporating the natural world into design by using timber elements in structures. The idea of pairing timber treads with metalwork staircase structures is also becoming an increasingly popular option; particularly oak and sapele timber for a classic appearance.

The option to incorporate the stripped back, industrial finishes of raw steel continues to rise in popularity in to 2022 the idea of injecting character and textures into staircase design. The design possibilities are endless!

For over 30 years Canal have also played an invaluable role in designing, fabricating, and installing an expansive range of architectural staircase designs for many prestigious projects.

At Canal our greatest strength lies in turning your design brief into a reality and we have manufactured and installed unique metalwork solutions to some of the UK’s most prestigious residential and commercial projects. If you would like to discuss your latest architectural metalwork design then please email canal@canalengineering.co.uk for more information or head over to our website and speak directly to one of our technical advisors.

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The evolving pandemic and advances in sustainability has shifted the way architectural design is perceived in 2022. There is an ever-growing appreciation of craftmanship as well as a trend towards the mixing of styles, finishes and unique features in staircase design. The use of visually personalised features with sustainable finishes are rising in popularity in the design world.

Also, we’re seeing an upward trend towards metal staircase specifications in residential and commercial properties; metal structures are strong, durable and built to last. A big shift towards sustainability and climate concerns over the past year means metal structures are becoming the increasingly preferred choice. The material is highly functional, resistant to temperature changes and a worthwhile long-term investment.

We’re also beginning to see the following staircase trends in 2022:

Exposed metal finishes

Bringing the great outdoors and natural finishes into an interior setting was a huge inspiration for architects in 2021. The stripped back, industrial finishes of raw steel is rising in popularity with designers; the idea of injecting character and textures into staircase design.

Raw hot rolled steel with a natural beeswax finish is a popular finish, the heat caramelises the wax and produces a rich black bronzed colour on the surface of the metal.

Laser cut balustrades

The balustrade is the barrier that protects the open edge of the staircase or stair void. Many homeowners are using balustrades to bring their own unique expression and style to a staircase design. One trend proving particularly popular with homeowners is the flat bar spindles that feature on the Stroud Green project. The contemporary antique bronze staircase features simple, monochromatic lines for a sleek and modern twist. Another great example is the Regents Crescent sweeping staircase design, every balustrade spindle on the helical staircase is unique in design to create fluidity and movement in the installation.

(Pictured Westburn, laser cut balustrades)

Timber treads

In the light of sustainability, there is a delicate aesthetic towards more natural materials in architectural design. Architects have been actively incorporating the natural world into design by using timber elements in structures. The idea of pairing timber treads with metalwork staircase structures are certainly becoming an increasingly popular option; particularly oak and sapele timber for a classic appearance.

(Pictured High Peak, curved cantilever with timber treads)

Staircase designs:

Helical staircase

Helical staircases are fabricated to appear curved, and their structure is a  similar shape to a DNA molecule; in which two strands twist around each other. The design of the structure means you’re led from one level to the next through circular rotation but without the constraints of a traditional spiral staircase. The curved nature of the helical staircase structure means the design is right on trend with its graceful flowing arc.

(Pictured Mayfair Park; Helical Design)

Cantilever floating staircases

This stylish staircase trend looks to remain popular in 2022, the cantilever design is a uniquely intelligent piece of architecture and engineering. For the client whose tastes are sharply on-trend, this staircase features tasteful lines for a unique floating design. The structure can be crafted from a wide range of natural materials, the cantilever style adds a contemporary twist to any design.

(Pictured Fulham Road; Cantilever Design)

At Canal our greatest strength lies in turning your design brief into reality and we have supplied unique metalwork solutions to some of the UK’s most prestigious residential and commercial projects. If you would like to discuss your latest architectural metalwork staircase design then please email canal@canalengineering.co.uk for more information or head over to our website to chat directly to one of our technical advisors.

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What is the role of staircase design for commercial spaces in 2021?

Office spaces have completely changed over the past year as businesses begin to adapt to the evolving working environment. At Canal we are beginning to see a shift occurring in office developments along with the approach to commercial interior and architectural design. The staircase is a fundamental for requirement for businesses to connect spaces and people together. At Canal Architectural we understand staircase designs greatly enhance communication and connection within the workplace.

Our greatest strength is turning your design brief into reality and we’ve supplied some unique metalwork solutions to some of the UK’s most iconic commercial properties and developments.

Here are some of the most notable commercial staircase designs we offer:

Helical

This grand sweeping staircase design is an ideal solution for joining office floors out into an atrium and suitable for spaces with a larger footprint. A helical staircase is one of the most exquisite yet dramatic designs with its graceful, flowing arc.

Recently, the team at Canal were approached to manufacture and install an impressive bespoke helical staircase for the WD40 European headquarters. The client requested that the feature staircase connected three floors and reception desk inside the main central building. The structure was manufactured in high quality mild steel with a raw oiled finish applied to blend with the brand identity.

Straight

The straight staircase design certainly doesn’t mean boring. There are many possibilities from half turn, quarter turn, open riser, floating treads, central spine and many more. The team at Canal have designed an array of straight staircase designs for numerous types of commercial developments.

Recently, the team at Canal completed a stunning feature staircase for ROMO Fabrics headquarters in Nottinghamshire.  The commercial space was designed to consolidate all elements of the business from process and storage space into one stunning headquarters. This mild steel structure is the centrepiece of the atrium with MDF clad over the frame and features a wax finish.

Another notable commercial straight staircase design was for a contemporary London office development – Phipp Street. The combination of mild steel, laser cut risers and all wax finish blended perfectly with the modernised commercial surroundings.

Spiral

A few businesses are opting for smaller commercial spaces to achieve flexible working environments for employees. The spiral staircase design offers a dramatic connection between spaces with its circular plan and winding treads. The design is perfectly adept and suits smaller office environments due to its smaller footprint and space saving design. The central steel column creates a solid and more stable structure that can be applied to a range of styles.

Canal Architectural combine excellent design and functionality to create unique staircases to suit your commercial space. Our highly experienced technical sales team at Canal are adept to solving problems that may arise in designing your new staircase to suit your environment. Our project management team will work with you to maintain workflow processes and keep you updated on each stage of the design and build.

If you would like more information on staircase designs to suit the evolving commercial environment email: canal@canalengineering.co.uk or head over to our website to chat to one our technical advisors.

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Canal Architectural are proud to have a long-standing collaborative relationship with leading design and build firm, Modus Workspace. Canal has worked directly with Modus to engineer exquisite architectural metalwork designs for some of the UK’s most prestigious projects over the years. A few of these include Mitie at the Shard, William Hill, Tag Worldwide, Embassy Project and many more.

Our long-standing relationship with Modus began over a decade ago when Canal Engineering Sales Director was approached by Matthew Short, Director at Modus for the design, manufacture and install of a feature staircase for Benedict Street. Lee attended design meetings with Modus Workspace to review all design aspects of the bespoke, feature staircase. These meetings ensured concept designs were scoped out, including materials, size, configuration, regulations and structural calculations. The drawing office team worked closely with the design team from Modus to create 3D models along with the virtual render, allowing the client to visualise exactly how the staircase will look in a simulated environment. The Canal Sales Director commented on the benefits of the Canal and Modus design and development process “Great designers determine exactly what they need and Canal engineer the design – achieving a great collaborative process from day one”

Canal Architectural and Modus Workspace are currently in the process of engineering a luxury four floor staircase structure for Numis Securities. The 50,000 sq ft of commercial space in the heart of London is due to be completed in summer, 2021. The mild steel structure features oak timber box type treads, painted stringers with a bronze metallic balustrade and a wrapped brown leather handrail. The structure is currently in the process of getting fitted and painted on site by our highly skilled installation team.

Working with Modus Workspace has always been a seamless process due to their expert vision and track record of delivering transformative projects for clients. Canal Engineering has a wealth of experience in metalwork, reputation for design innovation and commitment to quality that has made us the preferred supplier for British-made metalwork fabrication since 1924. Canal Architectural, a division of Canal Engineering has been designing, fabricating and installing bespoke architectural metalwork for over 30 years. All of these elements combined ensure successful delivery and exceptional outcomes for our clients every time.

At Canal we look forward to many more years of creating outstanding architectural metalwork designs and working on successful collaborative office fit outs with the talented team at Modus Workspace.

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The team at Canal Architectural have completed some of the most innovative and breath-taking staircase installations across the UK and overseas. Canal Architectural as part of Canal Engineering has a heritage of design innovation, quality manufacture and efficient installation dating back to 1924. Our unsurpassed expertise in architectural metalwork forms part of everything we do and each new commission presents a new opportunity to be creative.

Our bespoke architectural metalwork has graced an array of sectors from commercial, private residential, public spaces, universities, restaurants, theatres, retail outlets and many more. 

View some of our greatest architectural metalwork project achievements from our extensive portfolio:

WD40

The team at Canal were approached by the client and design team at Collins Construction to manufacture an impressive bespoke staircase for the WD40 European headquarters.

The client requested a feature staircase that connected three floors and reception area inside the main building. The technical sales team at Canal worked closely with the client to address the finer details including building regulations, existing constraints, structurals, logistics and overall aesthetics. The client requested the staircase to be manufactured in mild steel with a raw oiled finish to blend with their brand identity. This project was a unique piece of engineering for the team at Canal Architectural with its dynamic design and unique helical design. Canal were extremely proud to have worked with the team at Collins Construction on this remarkable and exclusive project.

Regents Crescent

Canal Architectural recently manufactured and installed a grand sweeping staircase structure to the iconic, Regents Crescent in London. The Grade I listed building houses 67 luxury residences, 9 Garden Villas, including private gardens and 5-star amenities.

The centre of the Crescent features a magnificent double-height entrance lobby with three helical staircases. The grand, sweeping helical staircase design created a real connection between the floors and every spindle unique in design to create fluidity and movement in the installation. All three staircases were site sprayed and featured an anolok bronze finish for a contemporary look. The overall design aesthetic reflected the elegance and grandeur of the Regency period. This project was a remarkable accomplishment for the team at Canal Architectural, the increased creativity and precision in metalwork fabrication means the most complex architectural designs such as Regents Crescent can be brought to life. 

Ogier

The architects ORM of London approached Canal Architectural to design a complex and magnificent, commercial helical staircase. This incredible staircase was installed at the Jersey office of International Corporate and Finance Law company; Ogier. The installation team fully welded the structure together on site to prevent any defects from occurring. Structurally this was a difficult task as the atrium ascends to a square opening and much bigger than the staircase diameter. The upper floor was decked out with architectural steelwork; creating a circular opening strong enough to support the load of the floating staircase. The team worked closely with Milk Structures to complete the project to the highest standard; making it one of the most iconic Canal projects of all time.

Mayfair Park

Canal Architectural were approached to manufacture and install this elegant helical staircase for a prestigious development in Mayfair. This private penthouse apartment is located in London’s most impressive district with views over the iconic Hyde Park in Mayfair.

The mild steel structure featured oak laminated treads with a timber oak handrail and a curved, glass balustrade. LED lights were installed to the underside of the tread to illuminate the staircase and create an elegant ambience.  Again, a stunning piece of architecture from the team at Canal Architectural and installed in one of the most prestigious locations.

Our greatest strength lies in turning your design brief into reality and we have supplied unique metalwork solutions to some of the UK’s most prestigious buildings including the Shard, Heathrow, Bonhams, Coca Cola and the Express Newspaper building. Which is your favourite project from Canal Architectural? View our wide range of residential and commercial projects via our online portfolio.

If you would like to discuss your latest architectural metalwork project please email canal@canalengineering.co.uk for more information.

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