Feature Cantilevered Staircase with Integrated Lighting, Derby

A feature cantilevered staircase floats effortlessly in the triple height hallway of our clients double fronted Victorian home. Integrated staircase lighting transformed the entrance into a space of light, flow and quiet drama - bridging the transition between modern and traditional, incorporating beautifully tactile materials including bronze and leather.

Project ID: 8987

This feature cantilevered staircase sits at the heart of an exceptional interior design project in a picturesque Derbyshire village, where our clients’ double-fronted Victorian residence had been thoughtfully reimagined as a refined family home. Behind its traditional façade lies a carefully curated interior, which balances heritage character with contemporary living. Working alongside interior designer Kathryn Levitt, Bisca was commissioned to design and deliver a complete staircase scheme, comprising four flights across two distinct stairways, each contributing to a cohesive and considered vision.

A Feature Staircase Cantilevered Between Eras

At the heart of the home, a feature cantilevered staircase was envisioned to be more than a means of circulation. It would become a defining architectural statement – transforming the entrance into a space of light, flow and quiet drama.

Complementing the main staircase, a secondary modern stair design would connect the basement level, with the ground and first floors, ensuring continuity in materiality and detail while offering a more understated aesthetic. Its design required a complementary yet distinct identity, delivering a more practical replacement staircase solution.

The clients’ brief called for a staircase design which bridged the transition between traditional and contemporary elements of the property. There was a strong desire to incorporate rich, tactile materials, particularly bronze finishes and leather. The structure and design would maintain a sense of openness and comfort.

Initially hesitant about an open rise or floating aesthetic, the clients’ perspective evolved throughout the staircase design process. Careful exploration of proportion, safety and usability led to a confident embrace of floating and cantilevered, which would feel both secure and visually light.

Where Structure Defies Gravity

The resulting design centres around a striking cantilevered staircase which appears to float effortlessly within the property’s triple-height hallway. Engineered with a fully concealed structural system, the staircase is anchored within a stacked slate feature wall, allowing the form to remain visually uninterrupted. Brushed oak staircase treads introduce warmth and texture, their tactile finish enhancing both safety and sensory appeal. Each tread creates a rhythmic flow which draws the eye upward while maintaining a calm, grounded presence.

The balustrade is deliberately refined – with slim bronze uprights rising elegantly from the treads, free from visible fixings; while a stitched leather handrail adds softness and intimacy to the hand. The stunning bronze tones echo material accents throughout the home, allowing the staircase to reinforce a unified design language. Integrated staircase lighting is carefully concealed to enhance the floating effect, casting a soft glow across the treads and into the surrounding space. As daylight fades the staircase transforms, becoming a sculptural centrepiece which anchors the home’s atmosphere.

In contrast, the secondary stair adopts a more architectural form, with clean lines and a zig-zag profile. Clad in materials that align with the home’s flooring, it maintains visual continuity while offering a practical and elegant solution for everyday use.

Mastering Balance with Precision

Delivering a project of this complexity requires exceptional coordination and craftsmanship at every stage. From initial structural surveys through to final installation, each detail was meticulously considered to ensure seamless integration within the building fabric.

As a primary feature within the interior, the cantilever structure demanded precise engineering and phased construction. Structural elements were installed early, carefully coordinated with Kathryn to align and protect specialist finishes; later stages required delicate handling, particularly when introducing the finished oak treads and bronze balustrade into a fully decorated environment.

Close collaboration between Bisca, the interior designer and all site partners ensured that every interface – from wall finishes to flooring transitions – was executed flawlessly. This level of project management allowed the homeowners’ vision to be realised without compromise, even within a complex, multi-phase build.

Personalised Design in the Heart of the Home

This design scheme is a testament to what can be achieved when creative vision, technical expertise and craftsmanship come together. This home’s feature cantilevered staircase now defines its entrance. It creates a moment of transition, where traditional architecture gives way to a contemporary interior – filling the space with light, texture and warmth.

Throughout the property, each component within the staircase feels considered and connected. The result is not only visually striking but deeply personal, crafted to enhance the way the family lives within the space. For those seeking a truly bespoke staircase design solution, this project reflects Bisca’s ability to transform a home both visually and architecturally. When working with a specialist, a feature staircase is more than a design choice – it is an investment in craftsmanship, collaboration and enduring quality.

Partners for this Project

Interior Designer – Kathryn Levitt
Building Contractor – CJ Goodwin
Architect – bi Design Architecture

Project ID: 8987