The Collards Project

The Collards Project

Demax was commissioned to assist with the development and design of a staircase to be incorporated into the conversation of a world war two USAF HQ building into a modern family home which was basically a massive square concrete block with 18inch solid concrete walls and floors at staggered levels. The whole project theme was “ A modern open and light family home, it was refreshing that the parents consulted their two young daughters who I must say contributed very mature ideas on both design and colour. Design options were slightly hindered by the massive reinforced concrete floors and walls of this bomb proof building, moving existing doors and windows was unpractical.

The strings were laser cut steel that allowed the American White Ash treads to pass through creating the illustrated detail, the balusters were 20mm square steel with polished stainless steel embellishments, the reasons the square balusters were turned 45 degrees to the strings were two fold, firstly having to comply with building regulations it allowed 20mm bar to be used instead of heavy 25mm square bars, secondly it added finer detail and unfortunately cost. The bottom treads were designed to give the appearance of “floating” and with the widest approach angle possible. The opaque glass risers and soffit allowed the staircase to be tastefully illuminated with back lighting, LEDs were also incorporated to the wall strings. All the metalwork was painted by a Feature Artist using a dark grey Micaceous Iron Oxide containing a heavy metallic sparkle followed by a protective Lacquer.

Naturally everybody has different views and opinions on style and detail therefore with each of our bespoke staircases as long as we have fulfilled the dreams and aspirations of the person that the bill we have achieved QED.