How Five Helical Staircases Make An Architectural Impact In Urban Settings

The helical staircase has risen above its existence as a mere conduit between floors. With its beguiling contours and architectural finesse, each aspect of its curvature serves as a visual crescendo, drawing the eyes upward. Interestingly, these curvaceous wonders are no longer confined to grand mansions or luxury villas; they are making bold appearances in an array of interior spaces like flagship stores, urban homes, and serene farmhouses. Serving as centrifugal sweeps that command attention, these staircases are crafted with precision and employ avant-garde materials, which allow for more daring and innovative forms. They represent the artistic vision and engineering prowess of the creators.

#1 A Sculptural Marvel By Renesā Studio

Under the pendentives of grand scales that tie the ceilings of Seema Gujral’s flagship store in New Delhi, spirals down a staircase designed by Sanchit Arora, Principal Architect of Renesā Studio. The staircase encased by a stark contrast of black and white, stands as a centrepiece in the vaulted foyer. Beneath the flight is a conical golden brass structure that revolts with its audacious gleam against the muted canvas. The black tiles that line the steps are polished to a mirror finish, while the curvaceous and unbroken balustrade in pristine white lends an artistic continuity and provides essential support to the structure. 

“The staircase’s innovative design sets it apart and it encapsulates the store’s ethos – a celebration of transitional design that is luxurious and timeless. It also gives a preview of the store’s overall ambiance right from the entrance” says Sanchit Arora.

Also read: Revolutionising Retail: 3 New Stores Transforming The Shopping Experience

#2 Architectural Excellence By Khushalani Associates

A mystical staircase made out of a fabricated steel structure ascends from the heart of an expansive duplex penthouse designed by Rajiv Khushalani, Principal Architect of Khushalani Associates. The inner surface of the staircase swathes in luxurious veneer and the outer surface, in a striking contrast, is coated with charcoal-textured paint giving it a voluminous presence. An exquisite choice of grey and white piano patterned marble flooring sourced from Stone Source Select extends onto the tread and riser spiralling upwards. The railing handle has a curved LED strip light running across the length of the staircase. To further accentuate this setting, suspended lights in white onyx hover to cast soft light on a tan-hued cork stool by Studio Avni and a metallic green bench from White Domus, giving low-key glamour to the staircase’s otherwise matte composition. 

“The client wanted something unique so we meticulously worked-out the micro and macro details of it and enhanced it with elegant finishing techniques. It emerged as a veritable masterpiece in this exquisite penthouse” Rajiv muses. 

Also read:  #DPExclusive: This Sun-Drenched Mumbai Apartment Is An Ode To Layering And Japanese Minimalism

#3 A Centrifugal Beauty By 23DC Architects

A hypnotic staircase in the Ananda home, Amritsar emerges as a freestanding marvel designed by Ar. Shiv Dada and Ar. Mohit Chawla of 23DC Architects. The foundational framework of this exquisite staircase is crafted from mild steel to achieve the required curve and strength. It is cladded with black DuPont Corian on all sides, a material known for its immaculate finish and smooth appearance. The risers and treads diverge subtly from this homogeneous black expanse adorned with polished black Marquina marble with a delicate tracery of white veining. The clear glass railing and its handrail – also crafted from DuPont Corian – have been expertly curved to mirror the staircase’s contours. To enhance the grandeur of the staircase, it is complemented by vertical carved wooden slats on one side of the wall and a sculpture placed directly below. 

“This staircase pushes the boundaries of what is architecturally achievable, transforming an everyday element into a majestic masterpiece. It is a testament to modern craftsmanship and artistic vision” Shiv Dada exclaims.

Also read: #DPExclusive: This Amritsar Home Is A Modernist Utopia Rooted In Tradition

#4 A Daring Form By Jannat Vas

The moment you cross the threshold of the Ocean Residence in Mumbai, your eyes are immediately drawn to an undulated staircase along with a large planter. The crown jewel of the home was designed by Jannat Vasi, Interior Designer and Project Lead at Jannat Vasi Interior Design who takes inspiration from British stalwart architect Zaha Hadid’s signature style of fluid geometry. With the expert collaboration of structural consultants, a dynamic concrete slab was achieved, unfolding like a ribbon piece, cascading from the ceiling to the floor. The slab’s inner and outer surfaces are clad in black and beige wooden paper veneer with natural grains, and the tread and riser of the staircase are adorned with white Michelangelo marble. A texturally engaging custom metallic mural and beaten metal repoussé light enhance the staircase’s contours. 

“The real design challenge was crafting this staircase within a triangular cavity and it was accomplished with creative sketches and ingenuity. We have put in an immense amount of thought in every detail that goes into making design effortless and liveable” Jannat Vasi shares.

#5 A Graceful Twist By Shabnam Gupta

Akin to the protagonist in a film, this majestic staircase twists its way to the upper floor in a stunning Mumbai residence designed by Shabnam Gupta, Founder and Principal Designer, of The Orange Lane and Peacock Life. It is filled with carefully curated artistic elements that usher you into a world of drama, intrigue, and exquisite craftsmanship. Sculpted in a sumptuous deep veneer, the staircase is artfully juxtaposed with a vintage Suzani textile giving it a narrative richness. The double-height space houses a low-hanging chandelier from The Hesperus Store dangling over a classic round table. Gleaming brass branches from Good Earth ascend the Elemento Wallpaper under the staircase. A red trunk from Nappa Dori completes the vignette.

“This staircase is a striking confluence of form, materials and craftsmanship, where modern elements have been seamlessly merged with artistic sensibility. The result is novel trendsetting design revolutionising interior aesthetics” says Shabnam Gupta.

Also read: Shabnam Gupta’s Mumbai Duplex Redefines Maximalist Luxury With A Literary Twist