Shortlisted for Build It Awards
Bisca is proud to announce that we have been shortlisted with no less than two staircase projects in this year’s prestigious Build It Awards – Best Joinery Product category. Bisca’s entries, a characterful staircase with stacked, chunky blocks of green oak for a barn conversion; and an open rise cantilevered design for a new build oak frame house, both showcase the stunning difference a bespoke staircase design can make to a property.
Build It Awards Project ID 7146
A perfect fit for this barn conversion, this staircase is formed with stacked green oak staircase treads and forged, tapered mild steel uprights which are topped with an oval-shaped handrail made from oak. Bisca is always keen to offer the best matched solution to a clients individual preferences; and in this case, through our extensive experience of working with a broad range of materials, our staircase design engineers selected green oak to bring the added character that would set this staircase apart.
Not an easy material to work with, Bisca’s construction and installation method allowed the oak to move and age gracefully with the building. The green oak beams are positioned to be perpendicular to the rear wall of the property, incorporating a curve at the foot of the staircase to allow easier access to the kitchen-dining area.
The design strikes the perfect balance; providing a statement feature for the open plan interior without being obtrusive and overpowering, whilst minimising impact in terms of floor space. As part of the design process, Bisca reconfigured the layout of the property to maximise comfort of use and introduced a feature bridge across the living area, by moving the landing away from the wall. The result is a staircase that sits perfectly at home in its setting, comprising a sustainable design which will stand the test of time and only get more beautiful with age.
A happy client is also an important consideration for the Build It Awards judging panel. The owners of the converted barn said:
Thoroughly great job from start to finish, really enjoyed working with you. The end project is amazing too! The project has been a great experience from the beginning to the end. The staircase fits in the barn perfectly – we are delighted.
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Build It Awards Project ID 9273
In complete contrast to a staircase in a refurbished, older building – Bisca’s second staircase project shortlisted by Build It Awards is designed for a new build oak-frame home. Our client was wanting to create a suitably grand feature to the entrance of their property which remained in keeping with its oak frame. This brief was met with a cantilevered helical staircase design, which concealed the the support structure within a curved wall.
The staircase is constructed with raised grain, solid oak treads selected for their unique qualities which are matched to the tone of the timber in the oak-frame building. The materials create a harmonious appeal and add character to the new staircase.
The open rise staircase design and glass balustrade – capped by a hand-crafted oak handrail – allow natural light to flood the space. The success of the design relied on an acute attention to detail which ensured the relationship between the curved wall, staircase treads and glass balustrade worked seamlessly. To achieve this, Bisca formed a close relationship with the architects and construction company throughout the project, bringing the formation of the curved wall from which the staircase is suspended, into its scope.
This staircase project is a prime example of how a bespokely designed staircase can blend perfectly with its building structure. The finished design is a comfortable and beautiful staircase which integrates perfectly with the house it was made for. Most importantly, the homeowner was very pleased with their commission and commented:
Bisca has been fantastic to work with right from the start, from the initial concept through to the installation and follow up. The quality of the finish is amazing, and the staircase fits our new oak frame home perfectly.
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Bisca is commissioned on staircase projects from all over the UK and worldwide. Each of these is individually designed and crafted entirely in our workshop premises in Yorkshire, by our dedicated team of multi-skilled craftspeople who work across a whole range of disciplines, including metalwork; cabinetmaking; blacksmithing; stitching; and polishing – centuries old skills are married with modern technology to create truly unique staircases which will stand the test of time.
