From a company which has a simple mission: to create extraordinary places to work for businesses relocating or refurbishing their offices, it was only fitting that they received the same treatment on their brand new office space high in the sky.

Modus Group offers its clients the complete package for their workplace fit out projects including strategic advice, space planning, 3D design, project management and construction. Similarly, when it came to choosing a British staircase company to adjoin its two floors of workspace CANAL Architectural was able to reflect the values of Modus Group and provide the company with the same complete package.

Whilst The Shard is a spectacular addition to the London skyline, it also came with some unique engineering challenges. These were faced early on, incorporating features on the staircase to allow for the movement of the entire building (+/- 20mm), in particular the floors directly above and below the new staircase. CANAL benefitted from being involved in the project from the beginning, allowing many prior issues to be resolved at the design stage together with the main contractor and the architect.

Strength and durability

The primary decision about the design of the feature staircase was to incorporate the necessary strength and durability required for a commercial environment. The secondary decision was to enable light to pass through the structure as it was situated in front of floor to ceiling windows with stunning views across ‘The Big Smoke’.

CANAL set out to achieve the optimum construction by using an open tread, suspended staircase design. The initial installation of the steel framework, which was hidden behind the mirrored wall, provided the necessary platform for the steel channel treads to be welded to. In addition, multiple 25mm mirror polished, solid stainless steel, support bars were installed from the floor above to their perpendicular tread below. In turn, these bars provided the majority of the staircase structure as well as catering for the possible building flex, creating the carcass for the suspended staircase.

Complementary features

To complement the existing office space features, the wide steel channels were enclosed with beautifully handmade, solid oak, timber box treads, which were stained to match the existing wooden floor. To accommodate the vertical support bars, the oak tread ends were precisely cut and drilled, down to the millimetre, and sleeved onto the end of the steel channels encompassing the mirror polished spindles for a seamless finish.

To comply with building regulations, CANAL finished the feature staircase by fabricating and installing a mirror polished stainless steel flat bar handrail to both sides of the staircase, and inserted extra detailing in the treads using elegant stainless nosing strips in a double, parallel design.

Now standing proud on the twenty something floor of The Shard, the combination of reflective materials and open space allows the light to flow throughout the contemporary space, cascading from the windows and floor above, whilst upholding the prestigious brand of The Modus Group.

A spokesperson for the Group comments: “Canal Architectural are intrinsically involved in the design from the beginning of every project, and provide invaluable advice in respect of the design, specification and engineering. We are yet to be let down in terms of quality, aesthetics or programme and would not hesitate to work with them again, or to recommend them as a contractor.”

One design fits all: The Cantilever staircase

With an ever increasing population of houses being erected, developed or refurbished all over the world it has become increasingly common for people to play an active role in designing different aspects of their home by integrating their own personality and character into the features and surroundings of their property.

One of the main features within a property that often gets neglected, but when given attention can transform even the most standard house into one to be desired, is the staircase. With limitless design possibilities a staircase can be transformed from a plain structure into one that demands admiration.

Over recent years one particular design has emerged, which has increasingly grown in popularity among architects, designers, property developers and owners – the cantilever ‘floating’ staircase.

The word cantilever might sound elaborate, but it is merely a beam anchored at only one end allowing the protruding construction to overhang without any external bracing. Cantilever structures are most commonly found within building structures, towers, bridges and aircrafts but the concept can be incorporated into staircase design by applying the same principles.

The simplistic design of the overhanging tread has allowed designers to create some very interesting design concepts to date. The transformation from a standard stair into one that needs no support underneath or between the treads, has created a vision of open space and demonstrates a particular ‘floating’ appearance that is aesthetically pleasing.

A cantilever staircase is a design that is incredibly reliant on the structure. Due to the nature of the stair, it is a necessity that an existing or new wall is capable of taking the load. The cantilever structure is dictated by the wall in question. There are various fixing methods for this type of staircase design meaning it is virtually impossible not to install it within a property; new or existing.

The concept of the cantilever stair and its structurally sound properties creates the ideal base suitable for any application. The stair design is not restricted to a straight flight style, only by the walls within a property. Helical, curved styles and even tight spirals are possible, releasing the staircase’s original modest design to unbounded design possibilities.

CANAL Architectural produces structural calculations of the staircase, which provide imposed loadings to the building. CANAL then issues these to the Building Engineer for approval before any further work is carried out. This ensures that the correct structural design is chosen for your property and relieves future problems.

Along with the standard bare construction, the material choice can be broken down by each aspect of a staircase. The treads, riser bars, balustrade, handrail and other detailed fixings can be fabricated from a number of materials to produce a unique design or complement an existing environment.

Material choices are subject to norms, similarly to the ever changing fashion trends throughout the world. Recently, CANAL has seen a sudden rise in demand for brass and leather or other animal skin, which has been incorporated into handrail systems and intricate balustrade detailing.

More commonly, a timber and glass combination is chosen to display a contemporary, modern feel. On many occasions a previous design is adaptable to a new CANAL project, however it is in the finer details where a staircase can become a great one.

A previous cantilever project CANAL was involved with was for a three floor penthouse in Victoria, London. Two identical staircases were specified, the main entrance stair to be wide and welcoming and with the second stair leading up to the top floor terrace.

Once the metalwork structure was installed and hidden behind the wall finish only to show the protruding steel channels, CANAL sleeved over solid American white oak timber box treads, which matched the existing floor throughout the property.

The unique design of the staircase integrated an LED strip into the underside of every tread, shining down on the one before and lighting the way. In addition, the staircase was dressed with low iron glass balustrade panels and topped with a satin polished stainless steel square handrail producing a minimal, contemporary look.

Achieving the correct performance of this particular staircase design is about more than its aesthetic appeal. With various technical considerations and design possibilities it is imperative to select the right manufacturer and installer with experience and expertise. CANAL provides the complete package from concept to completion and ensure every staircase project is installed to the highest standard as this will determine its future performance, durability and appearance.

The latest CANAL Architectural brochure is available to download or by post: it is an impressive catalogue of projects we are proud to be associated with. www.canalengineering.co.uk/brochure.asp.