If you have been always fascinated by stairs then this post will surely interest you. Design firm Jo-a created a staircase in Brussels that added a whole new dimension to the apartment.
The shape of a helix spiral always manages to tickle the grey cells of most of us. And that’s what this new central staircase resembled when finished.
Jo-a were given the job of renovating an apartment in Brussels, and the owner wanted to connect the two floors by a never seen before staircase. The main purpose of the staircase was to isolate the two floors. The apartment was located in a vintage building with high ceilings, making the work cut out for the designers.
The choice of spiral connection was obvious, but to create something different took some serious brainstorming. When Jo-a design staircases they like to give top priority to the needs of the inhabitants, and like to use the space most optimally. The most unique feature of this spiral staircase is the fact that it has no central shaft. Hence, the design can be seen by all and the spiral effect is much more powerful. The light shows off the design much more effectively.
For this staircase which is fondly called the OlmO, the designers precisely calculated the diameter and the height of the steps that would be comfortable for all the inhabitants. After a lot of deliberation a diameter of 1m60 was decided upon, which would offer comfortable access and occupy the least amount of space too.
The frame of the staircase fits into the shaft perfectly. Once the staircase reaches the upper landing there is a guardrail to help the person up. If you notice closely, as the helix ascends it creates small cases that are lit up by natural light and can be used to display curios. Technically speaking these cases also provide stability to the staircase, which was very essential in order to make it durable.
The hangings are in white steel and do not interfere with the look of the staircase at all. The helix without any central pillar nor a floor rest is surely a creative sight to witness. It can be safely compared to an artistic sculpture that offers functionality and class to the apartment.
The helix in all its beauty manages to steal the show, and lifts the aesthetic level of the apartment to a new scale.
Source: Jo-a
