S T O N E
STAIRWAY OF SIMPLICITY In the Scottish borders lies a country house that recently underwent a complete top to bottom renovation led by Boydell Architecture based in Galashiels, 30 miles south of Edinburgh.
T
he client, architects and interior designer contacted specialists at Ian Knapper to create a statement solid stone staircase that was befitting the history and grandeur of the building and to set the tone for the rest of the building as you enter the hallway – yet the project had a twist. The overall design required the bottom section of the staircase to seamlessly float out into the room, spanning a stairwell that leads to the basement below. “The challenge had been set; it was now down to our team of specialist masons to find the solution,� commented a representative at Ian Knapper.
Making stone fly
The first challenge was the floating section which had to be self-supporting over a span of 2.5m from the centre of the room to the far wall, a distance covered by four treads weighing approximately 250kg each. The solution took inspiration from master masons from thousands of years ago with a sweeping curved arch supporting the structure and linking the floating treads to those set into the walls as they continued up the building. The arch was vital in providing the strength needed at the bottom of the stairs. The arched solution also allowed the stair to sweep around to create one continuous curve ascending the building creating a seamless transition between sections.
Made to be strong, yet elegant
As with any statement masonry project, the choice of stone is key. With hundreds of colours, tones, textures, properties and additional features like shell markings adding interest, it is an important consideration. Discussions led to the team sourcing a high-grade Moleanos limestone, a stone that was consistent in colour and as featureless as possible in order to complement both the building and the desired design. I N E X
F E B R U A R Y
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