Statement Staircases: Architectural Features for Modern Homes
We believe a staircase is more than just a way to move between floors. It is a central architectural feature that defines the volume, light, and flow of your home.
This floating staircase in the Twin Courtyard House is a work of art. The teak wood steps appear to be suspended, creating a sense of lightness, while the wide lower steps provide a casual seating spot near the pooja room.
A view of the staircase in the Cube House, set against a double-height space with a stone-clad wall. The combination of wood treads, steel railings, and glass creates a modern and airy feel, connecting multiple levels of the home.
The multi-level staircase in the Cube House is a central feature, visible from the living area. Its open design ensures that light from the skylight above filters down through the different floors of the home.
Sunlight streams across this teak wood staircase, highlighting the clean lines and warm grain of the material. The glass railing ensures safety without obstructing the view, maintaining the open and airy feel of the space.
A duplicate of ID 35, this image captures the beautiful play of light and shadow on the wooden steps. Our design ensures that even functional elements contribute to the home's overall aesthetic.
This staircase at the Jolly Residence features intricate patterned tiles on the risers and a sleek brass railing. This detail transforms the staircase into a decorative element that reflects a modern Moroccan-inspired theme.
In Mr. Vinay's residence, the staircase is designed as a floating structure above a small indoor garden. This placement integrates the staircase into the home's central courtyard theme, blending architecture with nature.
About this collection
In our designs, we often treat the staircase as a floating sculptural element rather than a heavy concrete structure. By utilizing materials like cantilevered teak wood treads and glass railings, we open up the floor plate. This approach allows light from skylights to travel vertically, effectively connecting the different levels of your home into one cohesive, airy space.
Whether you are renovating a duplex or building a new residence, the staircase is often the most overlooked design opportunity. We approach these transitions by balancing structural integrity with visual lightness.
Materiality and Form
We frequently employ cantilevered teak wood steps to create a floating effect. This is not just an aesthetic choice; it creates transparency, ensuring sightlines remain open. For safety and elegance, we integrate tempered glass or custom MS (mild steel) railings. In some of our recent Bangalore projects, we have utilized thin, elemental black MS grills that contrast against warm timber, adding a modern, industrial touch that anchors the double-height void.
Beyond Just Function
A staircase can serve multiple purposes. We often extend the bottom landing to create a built-in seating area or a platform for displaying art. When placed near a central courtyard, the staircase acts as a visual anchor, drawing the eye upward while allowing natural light from overhead skylights to permeate the living areas below. We design these volumes to feel like a part of the home's overall narrative rather than an isolated utility.
The Practical Reality
Constructing a floating staircase requires precise civil coordination. We plan the structural supports during the early layout stages to ensure rigidity without visible bulky beams. If you are considering a renovation, we evaluate the existing slab capacity to determine if a floating design is feasible or if a more traditional supported structure with creative cladding is the better path forward.
ID+AS Architects
We are ID+AS Architects, based in JP Nagar, Bangalore. Our design philosophy centers on the dialogue between space and function, ensuring every staircase we build serves as a light-filled bridge within your home.
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