Contender Staircase with Central Handrail Design – Crouch Hill

This contemporary new build London property in Crouch Hill required a visually stunning centrepiece staircase that would accentuate the openness of the internal space and complement the external glass wall. Working with interior designer and architect Kim Cable of De Beauvoir Design, Zakuna initially offered four design concepts to be considered for the open staircase, a collaborative process that ensured the final design was perfectly tailored to the property.

Contender Staircase

The Contender Staircase with its central string was the perfect choice, its clean lines delivering the dramatic effect the brief demanded. What sets this particular installation apart is the bespoke centralised stainless steel handrail, designed to be a focal point in its own right. The stainless steel spindles reach full height, creating a striking vertical element that commands attention and draws the eye upward through the stairwell.

In contrast, the outer handrails and balustrades were specified in clear frameless glass for clean lines and a simple look, allowing clear vision through to the external glass wall beyond. This interplay between the bold, sculptural central railing and the transparency of the glass perimeter creates a layered composition of real architectural interest.

Setting the 180 degree return and half landing fixed within the supporting pillars presented an unusual challenge, one that required creative engineering to incorporate the structural elements into the design rather than simply working around them. The central string, spindles and fixing buttons were powder coated to colour match the supporting pillars, transforming these structural necessities into seamless components of the overall composition.

Deep 100mm solid Oak treads, quarter sawn, add a touch of colour and natural warmth to the staircase. The quarter sawn cut was specified for its stability and the distinctive straight grain pattern it produces, ensuring the treads maintain their appearance over years of use. Engineered wood flooring to the first floor level was ordered at the same time and colour matched for continuity of design, creating a seamless transition from stair tread to landing.

The stairs were installed by the Zakuna team on a micro concrete resin floor system, a specialist substrate that demanded careful coordination during the fixing process. The result is a staircase that perfectly reflects the collaborative vision of Zakuna and De Beauvoir Design, where every detail has been considered and resolved with precision.