Oak Spiral Staircase with Glass Balustrade, Essex

An oak spiral staircase is designed to provide access to the loft space of our client's beautifully converted barn in Essex - creating a sculptural statement, its vodka oak treads float with elegance, while its ribbon stringer and glass balustrade encourage flow of both light and movement.

Project ID: 11179

From the initial brief, this project was conceived as far more than a means of access – it was the creation of an oak spiral staircase, which would add a sculptural presence to the space – designed to unlock a new chapter for both the building and our client alike.

An Oak Spiral Staircase Born out of New Beginnings

Our client’s architect recommended Bisca, having recognised that this unique barn conversion required a staircase specialist, capable of both creative vision and technical rigour. Based in a picturesque village, the former stables and outbuildings had once been part of a neighbouring Manor House estate. The property had undergone a sensitive transformation into a beautifully detailed, one storey home with a substantial loft space.

Access to the loft was limited to a hatch and ladder – functional, yet restrictive. As the homeowner began turning a passion for cake making into a growing business – safe, comfortable access became essential. Carrying delicately crafted cakes up and down a ladder was neither practical nor inspiring. And so her vision to elevate the space with a sculptural spiral-shaped staircase was brought to life.

Spiralling in Form, Shaped by Light and Movement

Space constraints initially led to the architect proposing a spiral stair, although off-the-shelf solutions failed to resonate. The client was clear; the staircase would be a prominent feature within her home and must feel intentional, crafted and emotionally engaging.

Her brief to Bisca, was to create a staircase which echoed the barn’s heritage; complemented the exposed timber beams; and brought softness and movement into the room. Bisca developed the concept of an oak spiral staircase with an elegant glass balustrade, keeping the space open and light-filled.

Comfort was equally important; the steep rises and narrow treads associated with typical spiral structures were not an option. As ever with Bisca, form would follow function guided by our bespoke staircase design process.

Floating Beauty, Defying the Art of Gravity

Our design reimagined the traditional spiral staircase structure; retaining its elegance while removing its usual compromises. Although typically formed around a central column, Bisca’s alternative was discreetly engineered so that a post was not physically necessary. This allowed the spiral structure to remain visually light; its curvaceous beauty uninterrupted.

Supported only at the top and bottom within the adjacent wall, the staircase floats above the floor, reducing its visual footprint and preserving pre-defined flooring finishes. A slim ribbon of steel wraps around the outer edge, within which the floating staircase treads appear suspended and the glass balustrade is perfectly connected. Crafted with oak, reclaimed from vodka barrels, each tread carries its own unique character, patina and history.

Where Handcraft Meets Technical Mastery

Handmade by Bisca’s craftsmen, each reclaimed oak tread was carefully shaped to maximise comfort, offering a wider going and reduced rise – key to the staircase meeting its functional purpose. The glass staircase balustrade seamlessly connects within a slim, ribbon-like steel stringer, providing safety without visual weight.

Supporting a sculptural oak handrail, glass not only enhances transparency but also reinforces its floating appearance. At the upper level, a laminated glass fin guards the landing, maintaining clarity and uninterrupted views. Behind the elegance of this beautiful centrepiece, lies careful coordination and technical excellence.

Bisca worked closely with the architect to meet access, escape and fire regulations, while ceiling heights were subtly adjusted to achieve compliant head heights. This collaborative approach is where Bisca adds genuine value – offering reassurance, problem-solving and precision – well beyond the staircase itself.

The Beginning of a Dream Come True

Both a functional work of art and an emotional centrepiece, this spiralling oak staircase, with floating treads and refined glass balustrade – feels rooted in the building’s past, while transforming the way the space can be experienced in to the future. Our client explains:

“The purpose of this staircase was to transform my loft space in to a creative cake-making studio.
Bisca have been the start of what for me, is a dream come true…”

For Bisca, this project was made even more meaningful by the client herself – among the most generous and patient customers we have worked with. She embraced the process, trusted the creative journey and allowed the staircase to evolve with trust and appreciation. The shared respect and collaboration which developed between us, later transpired in the celebration of our 30th anniversary – marked by a beautiful two-tier lemon and poppy seed cake, created in this very cake-making studio and kindly gifted to Bisca by Sarah Underwood Cakes.

What Our Client Had To Say

I loved the experience of working with Bisca from the design concept through to my beautiful staircase being installed. The outcome of the project was better than I could have imagined, and that is largely down to Bisca. Always helpful, professional and a pleasure to deal with.

Partners for this Project

Architect – Andrew Davison Architects
Luxury Cake Artist – Sarah Underwood Cakes