Floating Staircase – Chilworth, Hampshire

The Brief

The brief for this floating staircase in Chilworth focused on:

• Creating a light, transparent staircase that wouldn’t visually obstruct the open hall

• Maximising the flow of daylight from large windows front to back

• Customising the design to sit comfortably with the front door location and upper bridge layout

• Matching the staircase materials with the oak-framed architecture of the home

Because we were brought in early on, we could coordinate stairwell placement with the builder to ensure proportions and sightlines were perfect from both ground and upper level.

The Solution

To meet the brief, we designed and supplied a WF floating staircase with the following specifications:

• Quarter-turn configuration tailored to the Chilworth home’s layout and front door location

• Oak treads and handrail, finished in matt lacquer to echo the oak framing throughout the property

• White painted wall stringer to enhance the visual floating effect and allow light to reflect cleanly

• Glass balustrade panels above the bridge landing to maintain transparency and continuity with the open design

• Stainless steel brushed spindles to the stair balancing strength with a minimal aesthetic

The floating effect is achieved by cantilevering the hardwood treads from a single wall stringer and supporting them with a structurally designed handrail and spindles. Balustrade to both sides of the upstairs bridge keeps the visual openness while providing safety and continuity with the stair below.