Product Details

Rustic staircase in a converted listed Shippon (cowshed) in Devon, where access to the upper floor had long since deteriorated.

We took our inspiration from the natural curve of adjacent existing timber beams and the wonderful natural randomness of the wall surface. Natural, honest materials and traditional processes were used to create a staircase that could have been part of the original architecture.

Huge treads were hand carved from green oak with a chain-saw, and stacked to form a sculptural soffit to the underside.  Notwithstanding the condition of the walls we managed to cantilever the upper part of the flight, whilst the lower treads form a graceful helix.  Green oak is not for the faint hearted and cracks, twists, splits and generally ages beautifully; within a few years it will take on the same patina as the existing timber.

Forged tapered uprights capped with a leather handrail rise through the inside of the staircase, starting from a stainless steel feature newel and continuing onto the landing. Single sheets of low iron glass were used along each side of the bridge allowing light to flow throughout the building from the openings below. The returns of the bridge balustrade feature forged uprights as used on the staircase.

This rustic staircase has gained a place in the Bisca Classics hall of fame, winning both the Build It Award - Best Joinery Product, and Northern Design Award for Best Product in 2015.

To obtain a guide price for your own bespoke staircase or balustrade based around this design or using similar materials, please email quoting ref 3826.