Curved Feature Staircase with Beautiful Balustrade, Oxfordshire

A sculptural curved staircase transforms our clients' historic manor house, rising in character oak and aged bronze through a double-height hall - restoring flow and light to create a central feature of elegance and beauty.

Project ID: 8176

Curved Feature Staircase – Reinstating the Heart of a Historic Manor

Set within a centuries old manor house, this curved feature staircase forms the centrepiece of a sensitive yet ambitious transformation. The property, once a working farm, had evolved through generations of extensions and alterations, leaving behind a fragmented layout which masked the beauty of its historic façade.

The homeowners set out to restore clarity and purpose to the space – re-establishing a sense of arrival while creating a home designed for modern living. At the heart of this vision was the opportunity for a sculptural, helical staircase that would unify old and new, honouring the property’s heritage while introducing contemporary elegance to its interior scheme.

Working collaboratively with the client, architect and interior designer, Bisca was commissioned to design, manufacture and install a bespoke oak staircase which would rise through a newly created double height entrance hall. With no additional furniture planned within the space, the curved feature staircase would become a defining architectural moment.

A Sculptural Staircase with Presence and Restraint

The brief called for a staircase with presence, but which did not overwhelm the surrounding architecture. The homeowners were drawn to classical materials and gentle curves, seeking a staircase balustrade echoing traditional craftsmanship, while complementing their fresh contemporary interior.

Fluidity and elegance were key. The staircase would introduce soft curves into the architecture, reflected in both its helical form and the flowing oak handrail. Forged uprights, tactile finishes and refined detailing would bring warmth and authenticity to the space.

This curved feature staircase needed to reconnect the layout of the home. Previously, multiple staircases had served different areas of the property. The new replacement staircase would reinstate a clear centre, guiding movement naturally through the house and reinforcing a cohesive interior narrative.

Close collaboration with the project partners influenced every detail – from an aged bronze finish which linked with surrounding metalwork, to organic curves which complemented three dimensional floral artwork featured within the hallway.

Helical Curves, Moving with Light and Space

Bisca’s design process began with a series of layout explorations; through collaborative design development and 3D visualisation, the final helical staircase emerged as a refined, lightweight structure. A slim steel framework with cut stringer detailing allows the oak treads and risers to remain visually prominent. Beautiful character oak, finished to complement the surrounding flooring, introduce warmth and continuity, while subtle tread overhangs soften the overall profile.

The staircase balustrade has become a defining element of the design. Forged mild steel uprights finished in aged bronze, gently curved and tapered, rise gracefully from each tread before forming a distinctive feature at the upper level. An oval profile oak handrail sweeps fluidly from feature newels, reinforcing the sculptural quality of the staircase. The interplay between curved lines, natural materials and refined detailing ensures its form feels both timeless and contemporary, bridging centuries of architectural evolution.

Expert Craftsmanship in Every Detail

Delivering a bespoke oak staircase of this complexity requires exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous project management. From structural surveys to final installation, Bisca coordinated closely with the architect and construction company to ensure seamless integration within the building fabric.

Each component was manufactured with precision in Bisca’s workshop. Installation required phased delivery ensuring every detail aligned perfectly with surrounding finishes. Bisca’s end to end approach, from concept through manufacture to installation – ensures a seamless process to reflects our commitment to quality, collaboration and exceptional craftsmanship.

Curved in Form, Enduring in Character

This project demonstrates Bisca’s ability to deliver a stunning replacement staircase, completely bespoke to its surroundings. For homeowners undertaking a renovation or new build project, a beautiful feature staircase offers more than circulation – it becomes an architectural centrepiece, crafted to enhance everyday living and transform the character of a home.

What Our Client Had To Say…

I wasn’t sure if you’d been as it’s like magic, the staircase is just a piece of art – you really captured what we were after and more – the result is absolutely incredible.

Project Partners:

Construction / Project Managers – Barr Build
Architects – Woldon Architects

Project ID: 8176