As an architect or interior designer, renovating historic and existing buildings often presents a range of different challenges when compared to working on a new build.
Whether you’re reconfiguring a luxury home or completely overhauling a public space, breathing new life into these structures often demands additional planning to ensure the building renovations meet the specific vision whilst retaining the original structure’s character and charm. Concrete stairs have earned a reputation for their ability to infuse spaces with a sense of luxury and refinement, providing a versatile solution that complements a wide range of architectural styles.
Although the style and aesthetic appeal of concrete stairs is inherently modern, their use in architecture dates back to the early 20th century when advances in construction techniques paved the way for their widespread use. Originally purely valued for their strength and durability, concrete stairs soon became synonymous with architectural innovation, evolving from mere utility to design statement. Concrete stairs gained popularity during the interwar period, coinciding with the heyday of the Art Deco movement and its emphasis on modernity and luxury.
The streamlined characteristics of Art Deco design has seen a resurgence in recent years, with sweeping concrete stairs complimenting the look perfectly. As a result, we are often approached by architects wishing to add the finishing touches to building renovation plans through the addition of a Kallisto staircase. Fabricated in a factory controlled environment and made bespoke to each project, Kallisto stairs offer a luxurious finish. However, with any existing structure there are a number of key considerations which need to be taken into account.
When renovating historic or listed buildings, it’s essential to consider the limitations and regulations governing internal alterations. Listed buildings and conservation areas are subject to strict preservation guidelines aimed at safeguarding historical and architectural significance. While concrete stairs can undoubtedly enhance the aesthetic appeal of such structures, their installation may require careful planning and consultation with relevant authorities to ensure compliance with preservation standards.
Roof Installation
In fact, the feasibility of installing a concrete staircase in a historic or existing building ultimately depends on the scope and nature of the renovation project. The weight of precast stair flights typically range from 2 to 12 tonnes, necessitating the use of a mobile crane to unload delivery vehicles and lift the precast concrete units into place. Ultimately, this means that installation has to be made via the roof as the flights cannot be maneuverered on the ground using trolleys.
Back in 2017, Kallisto supplied signature staircases to the renovation of Denham Film Studios, in Buckinghamshire. Dating back to the 1930s, this site was being redeveloped into a luxury residential complex, including a new glass central atrium within the Grade II listed building featuring a beautiful curved double story staircase complete with high concrete handrails. The staircases were positioned within the atrium prior to the glass roof being completed, meaning that the staircases could be carefully and smoothly lifted into position. The finished product blended seamlessly with look and feel of the complex, harking back to the golden age of cinema and evoking old school Hollywood glamour.
Architectural Facadism
Another option which architects consider when redeveloping or renovating existing structures is architectural facadism. This practice, which is common in urban settings such as London, involves preserving the facade of a building while demolishing or significantly altering its interior structure. This approach aims to retain the historic or aesthetic value of a structure, particularly in large built-up areas. This approach enables precast staircases to be installed effectively and efficiently, as usually the interior structure of the building has been removed.
One example of this method which features a Kallisto staircase is Parkside Gardens, Wimbledon. This stunning Edwardian residence was listed within a conservation area, therefore when it came to modernising the structure, there were a restrictions on what could be done. The architecture firm, HMD Studio, meticulously designed the plans to respect the historical context and retain the principal façade, whilst demolishing the existing interior to create a brand new space. This provided a blank canvas for the showstopping curved precast concrete staircase to be installed – a new focal point for the building.
As an architect considering installing a luxury precast concrete staircase, the number one question to ask yourself is whether or not there will be suitable access for the staircase to be lowered into place. The feasibility of installing a Kallisto staircase in a historic or existing building ultimately hinges on the specific constraints of the renovation project. Unlike traditional staircase installations, the weight and size of precast concrete units necessitate specialised handling and manoeuvring, requiring a mobile crane for placement.
If you’re about to embark on a renovation project, and you’d love to include a luxury Kallisto staircase as part of your plans, get in touch with our expert team today. We would be more than happy to discuss the installation process and how it make work for you.
