Helical staircases

Also called Geometric staircases Helical staircases feature mostly in upmarket residential buildings. Each tread forms part of a curve, so all are winders, however this type of staircase differs from a spiral staircase in that there is a central “open core” rather than a single vertical pillar around which the treads radiate. The overall effect of a helical staircase is graceful and spacious.

See a project using a helical staircase

Spiral staircases

The treads in a spiral staircase are called winders, being narrower on one side than the other. Spiral staircases are nearly always fabricated from iron or steel. The treads are attached to a central, vertical shaft from which they radiate. Spiral staircases are used where space is limited and very often as part of the exterior escape route from buildings.

Bifurcated staircase

Bifurcated staircases are mostly seen in grand houses and impressive public buildings and very often in black and white films from the forties. They consist of one flight of very broad stairs reaching a central landing and splitting into two further flights, narrower than the first main flights.

Open newel staircase

Open newel staircases are the ones most often featured in a chase scene in a thriller where the escapee leaps across from one flight to the other across the central open area. Open newel staircases consist of repeated flights of straight stairs with half-landings at each end. Also allow dramatic falls through the centre either of the pursued or pursuer.

John Desmond Ltd has long experience in creating staircases for interiors and exteriors.

We work on projects that involve structural input or can be involved in details such as colouring the handrail and balustrade.

The value of what we do is enhanced by the fact that we aim to be involved in a project at an early a stage as possible. This means that potential issues can be resolved even as early as the pre-design stage.

Where structural work is required, all elements and structures are 3D-modelled in advance, using Autodesk Advance Steel Modelling and BIM, so that they are then fabricated precisely and without waste. When the components arrive on site they can then be readily and accurately installed.

See a staircase project that involved meticulous design at Google’s London headquarters

PVD coloured stainless steel Almond Gold balustrade for helical staircase

This staircase was central to the design of the property but the developer did not want an overtly “show off” material. He wanted something that conveyed a high quality, like brass, but not its yellow coloration. He also wanted the staircase to be contemporary but not as “hard” as natural stainless steel.

Working with the developer, architect and interior designer John Desmond Ltd proposed Almond Gold PVD coloured stainless steel.

Almond Gold was accepted as the ideal solution being a soft but rich colour and still retaining a contemporary style.

See more on this project

Blackened stainless steel with over-wax finish “stairs in the sky” for Google

Google wanted a central, dynamic, people-connecting element to their 50 metre high atrium space and their architects came up with the extraordinary and ambitious plan to retro-fit an “aerial” staircase running from the seventh to the eleventh floors.

John Desmond worked closely with the architects and engineers to design a staircase that could be hoisted into position in sections, within a highly restricted footprint, and be precise to the millimetre in the alignment of each section and stair tread.

The blackened stainless steel has a natural over-waxed finish which allows the patina of the material to develop over time.

See more on the Google “stairs in the sky” project

Intricate, three-layer PVD coloured stainless steel full-height balustrading

The property-owner client wanted to upgrade the building to attract high-status tenants and the architects, Darling Associates, decided that a central, dramatic theme for this renovation that conveyed the brand and status of the building was crucial to communicating both the calibre of the building and also its long-standing history and famous location.

The design theme begins at the entrance to the building where the first laser-cut PVD coloured stainless steel screen is redolent of the Art Deco styling of Axtell House. The theme is then run through the main elevator and stair lobby with the continued use of the intricate three-layer screen acting as balustrade and decorative screen.

Order samples of PVD coloured stainless steel in Gunmetal, Bronze and Brass

Rich, bronze PVD coloured stainless steel two-layer full-height balustrade

Whilst developing the original concept of having bronze for the lift core material it was found that it cracked when bent or folded. PVD stainless steel was introduced as a material that can successfully be worked and shaped whilst retaining the desired rich, bronze hue. The PVD was actually more in line with the colour the client wanted being, as she says, “darker, more like the old bronze that you see all around the city.”

Contact Matt, Estimating & Production Manager to discuss your PVD coloured stainless steel requirements on [email protected].

Order a sample of PVD stainless steel in bronze

Sweeping balustrade for helical staircase in PVD coloured architectural mesh

The light gold coloration of the Champagne PVD Architectural mesh was selected to provide an unusual and uplifting element to a standard office palette of black, burnt orange and midnight blue. The simple, lateral geometric design of the mesh provides a counterpoint to the curving downward sweep of the stairs.

The pale gold Champagne PVD provides a lift to the colour scheme without the traditional style of brass.

See more on Architectural mesh

Delicate PVD coloured stainless steel balustrading for historic Royal Exchange

The courtyard stairs were designed to enhance access for visitors to the mezzanine level as it houses the Exchange’s historic murals and entice people up to view them.

The stairs are intended as a sculptural connection between the ground floor and the upper level, the stone being tonally of the existing building coloration and the elegant balustrade and handrail a continuation of the creamy gold palette.

The gently toning Almond Gold PVD coloured stainless steel harmonises with the stone coloration creating a light, airy and enticing staircase.

Crucially, the looks of the staircase are easily maintained as fingerprints and other marks are removed by wiping the PVD stainless steel with a damp cloth.

Order a sample of PVD stainless steel in Almond Gold

PVD coloured stainless steel architectural mesh

Stainless steel Architectural Mesh is a strong and relatively lightweight product specified for interior and exterior applications. Brass and copper mesh, for example, can be replicated through the PVD process with a resulting product that will not tarnish or age.

See a range of mesh designs and applications and PVD colourways

PVD coloured stainless steel

PVD coloured stainless steel is a sustainable alternative to anodising and electro-coating both of which involve chemical baths. The PVD process uses heat and gas and produces no chemical waste products.

See more on PVD, the range of colours and order a sample

Textured stainless steel

Textured stainless steel brings another dimension to specifying PVD coloured stainless steel. The range of embossed, surfaces provide tactile qualities as well as reflecting light in subtle ways which add to the creative possibilities when designing with this material.

Contact Matt, Estimating & Production Manager to ask about textured stainless steel.

Cor-ten – Accelerated finish

Corten, also known as weathering steel, is designed to develop a rusty patina, making it corrosion-resistant and requiring no refinishing. John Desmond Ltd has developed a technique to expedite the patina formation process, enabling fabrication within commercial timescales.

Contact Matt, Estimating & Production Manager to ask about textured stainless steel

Patinated Brass

Left untouched, all brass would develop into patinated brass. However ready-patinated brass, created by John Desmond Ltd, already has an aged, richly-toned surface. This finish is stabilised with the application of a natural sealant making it suitable for interior and exterior applications.

Contact Alex via [email protected] to ask about a Cor-ten finish for your project.

Blackened stainless steel

The blackening of stainless steel actually increases its corrosion-resistance however is mostly specified for its gleaming appearance not easily achieved through other methods. A natural wax finish is applied which maintains the burnished look yet allows the material to patinate over time.

See how blackened stainless steel creates a dramatic staircase at Google headquarters

Marron powder-coat

The powder-coat colour Marron is an interesting extension to the range of John Desmond Ltd’s metal finishes. It has a bronze, metallic appearance and is a cost-effective way to achieve a rich, bronze finish for items such as planters.

Contact Alex via [email protected] to ask about Marron powder coat.

Vibration stainless steel

Vibration finish stainless steel is a versatile finish for stainless steel being non-directional and relatively non-reflective making it particularly suitable for exterior cladding. It is one of a range of finishes on stainless steel, including shot-peening and bead-blasting, offered by John Desmond Ltd.

See PVD coloured stainless steel in Vibration and other finishes and order a sample.

Shot-peened stainless steel

Shot-peening, also known as sand-blasting, increases the longevity of steel and is commonly used for aeronautical components. However it also has an interesting and versatile non-directional appearance and is consequently specified for its aesthetic as well as its relative non-reflectancy.

Find out more about shot-peened steel and stainless steel, call Matt on 020 8946 8295

Anodised aluminium

Aluminium is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant and relatively inexpensive material. Through the process of anodising aluminium can be transformed into a range of around ten coloured finishes.With the application of powder-coating an extensive range of metallic and solid colours can be achieved.

See the domed gold anodised aluminium ceiling at Wood Lane Underground Station

Laser-cutting

The laser-cutting of stainless steel, combined with PVD colouring and V-grooving provides a multitude of creative possibilities for interior and exterior applications. Laser-cutting can be used to create intricate patterns for items such as cladding, screens, balconies, balustrades and planters.

See how the lift-core and stairwell became a dramatic feature in the upgrade of The Gaslight Building

V-grooving and folding

V-Grooving and folding of specialist or laser-cut material adds to the design possibilities for very finely crafted and intricate metalwork.

This process facilitates sharp bends which replicate solid bar material whilst being lighter, less expensive and easier to work.

See more on V-grooved and folded stainless steel