How to transform a staircase into a decorative and artistic sculpture

Staircases are designed to facilitate vertical movement in homes, offices, and businesses. However, contemporary staircase design offers stunning sculptural works that float within a space, transforming your living and working environment into a bold artistic statement.

A staircase need not be merely functional – it can transcend its utilitarian role and become a breathtaking sculptural piece. In the following lines, we will explore whether staircase design is a form of art or merely a means to navigate within a home/office space. We will delve into the fascinating world of staircase design and examine its unique objectives, integrating modern design principles with comfort and safety. We will also address the costs involved in assembling a sculpted staircase and conclude by drawing inspiration from the astonishing Guatapé Rock in Colombia.

Design is not just about aesthetics - it transforms the ordinary and routine into the extraordinary. Staircase design embodies this concept, capable of turning any functional structure into a novel artistic statement. The significance of design lies in its ability to breathe life into spaces, turning them into more than just utilitarian areas, but also sources of inspiration and visual pleasure.

Designed staircases aim to be more than just aids for vertical movement in a space – they intend to be design focal points that evoke interest and inspiration in visitors. Whether it’s a floating staircase challenging gravity or an exciting sculptural masterpiece in its form, the unique purpose of a designed staircase is to leave a lasting impression on viewers and users, becoming a topic for conversation and admiration.

To understand the art of staircase creation and to draw inspiration, we asked Sharon maakot, a leader in the field of staircase assembly of all kinds, to demonstrate the uniqueness of designed staircases. In this case – a project by the architect Liora Karlenshtein who designed a central iron beam staircase with American oak wood in a box shape, installed above iron, executed by Sharon Railings.

The modern staircase demonstrates how unique aesthetics can go hand in hand with uncompromising comfort and safety. Every design decision meticulously considers ergonomic factors to ensure that the staircase serves its primary purpose without compromising the user's daily experience. In this way, modern staircases perfectly blend form and utility, beauty and practicality.

Unlike regular staircases, usually made of concrete and cladding, typically with iron railings, creating a designed staircase generally involves collaboration between architects, designers, and sometimes engineers. This collaboration is necessary to produce designs that sometimes seem imaginary in a space, using various materials.

All this, of course, while considering budget constraints, as the price differences from project to project can vary significantly according to the complexity of the environmental-sculptural creation and the materials used. Therefore, before embarking on the journey, it is crucial to weigh all cost components, which can change significantly from project to project depending on their complexity and the materials used.

One of the world's most famous staircases is not found within a man-made architectural creation. It is the Guatapé Rock in Colombia. This granite rock, rising 200 meters high, is ascended by 708 steps winding up the cliff, offering a breathtaking view, making it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations globally.

For architects and designers, this staircase serves as genuine inspiration, a clear connection between art that perfectly integrates into the environment while maintaining its functionality. In the case of the rock - an impressive connection between nature and the easiest way to climb to the mountain's peak on foot, yet turning the climbing tool into an art form in its own right.

The Guatapé attraction, opened in 2008, demonstrates how staircase design has evolved over the years, and today it represents an architectural sector offering an almost limitless variety of possibilities. When it comes to designing a staircase for your home, you can explore sophisticated and stunning designs, each with its unique charm:

- Open Space Staircase: This staircase adopts the open concept, enhancing the sense of space and continuity in the home

- Close Space Staircase: Ideal for compact spaces, these staircases optimize vertical movement in the home while preserving floor space

- Storage Space Staircase: Combines functionality with aesthetics – beauty alongside offering smart storage solutions

- The Way to the Secret Room: Hidden staircases leading to "secret" rooms add an element of mystery to your home, reminiscent of adventure stories

In summary - staircase design is indeed an art that turns the mundane into the extraordinary. This spatial sculpture connects your home/office to both engineering and artistic beauty, creating exciting and inspiring functional art. Therefore, when you embark on your staircase design journey, remember that it's not just about ascending to the next floor, but also about rising to new peaks of design, inspiration, and innovation

This article was written in cooperation with Sharon maakot and designed staircases