An alternating-tread staircase in an eight-sided room
The project at a glance
- The challenge
- An octagonal room, 135° angles
- The timbers
- Chocolate-toned oak and spruce
- The finish
- Natural hard oil
- The result
- A light, strong, bespoke staircase
The problem: no standard staircase would fit
This room had everything going for it, except one detail: eight sides, short stretches of wall and unusual 135-degree angles. There was no way to fit a conventional staircase without eating up all the space. It is actually in this same room that I built a kitchen without a single cabinet box, for the same reason: not to weigh the room down.
The answer is an (escalier à pas japonais): alternating treads, designed for a comfortable climb in a tight space.
How I built it
The treads are chocolate-toned oak, a dark brown the French call « chêne chocolat ». It is a rare natural colour, not a stain, chosen to match the client's existing wood floor. The treads are joined with , a traditional joint, invisible and very strong.
The whole structure rests on a in spruce. Each tread is held in a housing cut straight into the solid beam: that is what keeps the whole thing strong without making it look heavy.
For the finish, I applied a Swiss based on linseed oil: a 100% natural protection that brings out the deep tone of the oak.
« We are absolutely delighted with the work Tom carried out. Faced with a technical constraint (not enough room for a traditional staircase), he came up with a solution as ingenious as it is elegant: a unique Japanese-style staircase, perfectly suited to our home. The result is quite simply exceptional! The quality of the work, the attention to detail and the refinement of the finishes reflect remarkable craftsmanship. He is a hugely talented artisan whom we recommend with the greatest enthusiasm. Thank you Tom! »
A tricky space to fit out?
Unusual rooms are what I like best. Tell me about your puzzle and we will find the solution together. I speak English, so feel free to call or write in English.
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