Staircases

At Canal Architectural we have over 30 years experience in designing bespoke metalwork solutions for the commercial sector. From high-end staircases to bespoke architectural metalwork for commercial and public spaces including offices, universities, restaurants, theatres and retail outlets. Our greatest strength lies in turning your design brief into reality and we’ve supplied some unique metalwork solutions to some of the UK’s most iconic commercial properties including the Shard, Heathrow, Bonhams, Coca Cola and the Express Newspaper building.

Take a look at some of our greatest architectural metalwork project achievements from our commercial portfolio:

WD40

The WD40 project is one of our most impressive bespoke staircase projects from the past year. The client requested a feature staircase that connected three floors together as well as reception desk to the outside of the main central building. The technical sales team at Canal worked closely with the client to address the finer details such as regulations, existing constraints, structural, logistics and overall aesthetics. The staircase design was manufactured in mild steel with a raw oiled finish to blend with their company’s overall brand identity. Canal were extremely proud to have worked with the team on this exclusive project and to see the entire project come to fruition.

Vitners Place

Canal were approached to manufacture and install weathering steel planters for a roof terrace at Vintners Place in Central London. Architects TP Bennett specified bespoke steel planters to be fitted to the extensive urban terrace situated on the 6^th floor, featuring panoramic views of the River Thames and London. Canal Architectural worked closely with main contractor Parkeray to install the weathering steel planters across the 7,000 sq ft terrace. The inner frame was finished in galvanised steel to act as a protective layer and the cladding was chemically rusted for a naturally weathered appearance.

Buns & Buns

This bespoke polished copper gantry was located at a fine food restaurant in the heart of Covent Garden. The Buns & Buns project involved removing an existing restaurant and replacing it with a steel structure to house a new theatre kitchen, bar and seating area. The team at Canal worked alongside Michaelis Boyd Associates to design a bespoke copper gantry for the bar area. The mild steel construction was plated in copper and polished, the overall aesthetic was inspired by urban design trends.

Kentish Old Road

This beautiful quarter landing staircase was installed at a Camden office in North West London. As part of the brief the client requested an industrial vintage staircase design that complemented the interior of the commercial space. The staircase featured an extensive walkway with mild steel, laser cut infill panels and timber handrail. The wax prevented the steel from rusting whilst maintaining its existing quality and character. The handrail was finished in American White Oak and stained to match the overall surroundings of the space.

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

If you would like any more information on commercial projects please email: canal@canalengineeirng.co.uk

Why choose a cantilever staircase design?

The Cantilever staircase is a truly unique piece of engineering and can create the biggest style statement and transform the interior of a property or internal space.

So why is the Cantilever staircase design so revered?

More than any other staircase design, the cantilever makes a style statement and stands out as something more unique. The treads anchor in at one end to create the illusion of the staircase floating in mid air; the visual look of weightlessness is the reason why clients choose the cantilevered staircase design. Canal Architectural have been manufacturing cantilever staircases for over 20 years but the design concept has recently gained popularity.

The minimalistic design is visually intriguing and defies gravity whilst remaining supported. The design allows the protruding construction to overhang without any external bracing and can accommodate most types of wall structure. The cantilever staircase design takes structural elegance and minimalism to a whole new level (pardon the pun). The cantilever design can be applied to a number of styles including straight, quarter turn, half turn, helical and curved staircase designs.

The Cantilever staircase is  reliant on individual requirements, material, existing structure and available space. The Cantilever is one of the most stylish staircases as well as one of the most cost effective for creating a style statement.

The Cantilever staircase is full of design possibilities and can be manufactured from an array of materials and finishes. The choice of materials is infinite and can be applied to individual elements such as treads, balustrades, handrails, fixings, nosing strips and other bespoke detailing.  One of the most popular contemporary designs incorporates timber, glass and stainless steel. In particular a sleek glass balustrade design creates the appearance of space within a property by allowing natural light to permeate throughout.

Another reason the design is so appealing is because the cantilevered treads are also open to exchange, allowing for a completely new look in future years to blend with modern interior styles.

Are you interested in finding out more about the Cantilever staircase? To see a full size installation of a cantilever staircase visit our London showroom. Contact one of our technical sales team for more information, please email canal@canalengineering.co.uk

Your staircase is the focal point your interior space and the place that links both people and spaces together. Not only should the design impact and complement your interior space but it should also be practical. The team of technical experts at Canal have created an essential staircase guide to advise you on all design considerations from staircase layouts, types and materials used when designing a new staircase.

Attention must be paid to the current UK staircase regulations and whether you’re replacing an existing staircase or incorporating an entirely new design you should be aware of the regulatory implications. Have you considered the following?

Location of a staircase

Ideally your staircase should be located close to the front door, especially if you have a third floor in the property as it will need to act as a fire escape route. Think about how the staircase fits within your home and ensure its positioning is maximised both upstairs and downstairs.

How big should your staircase be?

A good starting point is to measure the total rise (measurement from the finished floor below to the finished floor above) You’ll need to work out the number of risers needed, it’s important to consider a domestic staircase should fall between 150mm and 220mm. Standard risers are around 185mm (best to aim for this size)

You’ll then need to calculate the number of treads and this is generally one less than the number of risers. Then you’ll need to work out the going (the measurement from the face of one riser to the next) In compliance with UK staircase regulations the minimum going shouldn’t be less than 220mm with a maximum of 300mm (best to aim for 250mm)

Staircase glossary

Here are the terms you need familiarise yourself with when designing a staircase:

1. Going The horizontal distance between one step and the next and is measured from nosing to nosing. Building regulations specify a minimum distance of 220mm to a maximum of 300mm. Remember the total rise is the distance from the floor to the floor level above.
2. Vertical The front edge of a tread
3. Riser The vertical distance from the top of the tread to the top of the next one. Building regulations specify a minimum distance of 150mm to a maximum of 220mm. The total rise is the vertical distance from the floor to the floor of the level above.
4. Stringer The board that forms the face of the step
5. Tread The top section of an individual step on which you walk
6. Balustrades and handrails The combination of spindles, handrails and newel posts on a staircase. These elements give your staircase its character – with many unique architectural designs can be incorporated

Types of staircases:

Cantilever

The cantilever staircase design only anchors in at one side and allows the protruding construction to overhang without any external bracing. The simplistic design is also known as a floating staircase and is hugely popular due to its Swedish simplistic style and tasteful lines.

Spiral

Canal offers an extensive range of bespoke spiral staircase styles, which utilise a central steel column to create a stable and solid structure. The spiral staircase is circular in plan and consists of entirely winding treads.

Helical

The helical staircase is one of the most exquisite yet dramatic designs with its graceful, flowing arc. It’s not always circular but sometimes elliptical or oval.

Central spine

This design incorporates a single box or circular stringer section underneath the centre of the staircase. The design works as a standalone feature with no need for a supporting wall, an architectural feature that allows plenty of light into the room.

Straight

One of the most popular options but far from ordinary, many styles of staircase can be incorporated into straight staircase designs from cantilever, folded to central staircase styles.

You can incorporate turns into your staircase design including half landing, quarter landing, quarter landing with winder and straight flight.

Staircase features

If you’re creating an entirely new staircase it’s an ideal opportunity to personalise your design features and blend them with the interior of your home e.g. You can select glass treads and balustrades to create the illusion of light and space and also contemporary as well as urban metalwork finishes.

Metal staircases

Metal staircases have changed from being purely industrial to something more unique for the home. Canal are architectural fabrication specialists and perfectly placed to incorporate this increasingly popular material choice into any staircase design. Mixing metals has become increasingly popular trend with its contrasting colours, these can be mixed together with other metal décor details. Metal staircases can also be blended with glass and unique laser cut designs, making the appearance look much less heavier than timber.

Staircase lighting

Adding soft lights underneath the handrail or between the steps creates a contemporary feel to your staircase design. The lighting can create an illusion of space when blended with your staircase design.

A new staircase is truly an investment piece and there’s a lot to consider when choosing a unique design. Once complete your final staircase will look as if it’s dropped straight from a classic architectural publication or pinterest board.

For more detailed information on our staircase guide please contact the technical sales team or call 0115 986 6321.

Staircases come in many different shapes, styles and sizes; however, the parts of the staircase are normally universal for each staircase. Each component has its own function whether it be an aesthetic design feature or important safety element each different part of a staircase has its own important role.

When you are designing a staircase it can be confusing hearing the different compartment names and understanding how they all fit together to make your ideal staircase, the guide below gives some insight into the role each part of the staircase plays.

Staircase terminology

Balusters

A baluster also referred to as a spindle, when multiplied they are called a balustrade. A baluster is a vertical rod that acts between the handrailing and bottom of the staircase. We often a range of materials that can be used in our bespoke balustrades.

Banister

A bannister is the long support beam that runs alongside the staircase, we offer a range of different materials and handrails design to create the ideal staircase.

Curtail Step

A curtail step is a step at the bottom of the staircase. Often widened at one or both ends.

Inner String

The inner string is the side of the staircase that is set against a wall.

Landing

The landing of a staircase is either a platform where the direction of the staircase changes or is located at the top of a staircase.

Outer String

The outer string is the side of a staircase where the treads and risers can be seen from the side.

Riser

A riser is a vertical board that forms the face of a step.

Nosing

Staircase nosing is a horizontal edge of a step often used where the most foot traffic occurs. These are often used in commercial settings to improve the safety of a staircase.

Tread
A stair tread is the horizontal part of the set of stairs that the user walks on.

At Canal, we specialise in bespoke staircases for commercial and domestic clients. Our design team can advise and work with you to find the perfect materials and style to suit your needs. Contact us today to discuss your bespoke staircase ideas.

A tailor made staircase is the structural masterpiece of a property or commercial space. The perfect design solution should incorporate all the elements of style, practicality and safety. A staircase design should not only look aesthetically pleasing but also be safe to use – that’s why it’s imperative your staircase complies with current building regulations.

Designing and building a unique staircase can be tough and the current UK building regulations can make this task even more challenging. Whether you’re replacing an existing staircase or incorporating an entirely new design into a property, it’s important to consider the following regulations.

Staircase regulations.

Staircase regulations are generally covered by one or more of the following documents:

• Access to and use of buildings: Approved Document M https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/access-to-and-use-of-buildings-approved-document-m
• Protection from falling, collision and impact: Approved Document K: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protection-from-falling-collision-and-impact-approved-document-k
• Code of practice for the design of stairs for limited access: BS5395 Part 2. Code of practice for the design of helical and spiral stairs: https://landingpage.bsigroup.com/LandingPage/Series?UPI=BS%205395v

No matter what staircase design you prefer, you must ensure they comply with the current building regulations outlined in the government publications highlighted above. Given the safety implications of a new structure it’s important to follow these regulations as a legal requirement.

• Firstly, you need to start by measuring the total rise (to help determine what size your staircase needs to be) these are measurements from the finished floor below to the finished floor level above.

When thinking about your staircase design solution you need to be aware of the following:

• The rise needs to fall between 150mm and 220mm (domestic) or 150mm and 170mm (commercial)
• The maximum angle of a domestic stair should be no more than 42° and commercial stairs no than 34°
• The going between nosing to nosing must fall between 220mm and 300mm (domestic) or 250mm and 400mm (commercial) Spiral and helical stairs differ from these values
• Handrails on stairs and landings should have a minimum height of 900mm
• A minimum of 2,000mm of clear headroom is required vertical above the pitch line

Maximum width & length of staircases

• There is no maximum width of commercial staircase but they must be split into sections no wider than 2000mm, including adding an extra handrail, newel and spindles to divide up the staircase
• For residential properties there are no restrictions for the length of a flight; however anything above 36 risers needs to have a 30° change of direction. Spiral and helical staircases are limited to 22 risers, but 16 is recommended.

*Please note that England, Wales & Ireland share the same legislation and Scotland has its very own guidelines.

These are just some of the minimum requirements highlighted by Government Approved Documents for building regulations, for more detailed information on staircase regulations please contact the technical sales team or call 0115 986 6321.

We’re proud of our engineering capabilities at Canal Architectural. All of our staircases and architectural work is manufactured to the highest quality technical standards. Our dedicated team are extremely knowledgeable in all health and safety requirements, we work closely with you to ensure all our elegantly designed staircases are both safe and functional.