2014 Apex Award winning entry for Home Design Elements

1. Wagon Wheel Staircase

2. Wagon Wheel Staircase
This stunning ceiling detail
was added after the staircase
was installed and the
handrails turned.

3. Handrails
Though the handrails are a
different wood species than
the wagon wheel, they were
specially treated so the
finishes would blend.

4. Top to Bottom
From top to bottom the
handrail is one
continuous piece.

5. Wagon Wheel
The wagon wheel was added
to mask a winch that lowers
and raises the chandelier
for cleaning.

6. Specifications
Woodworkers framed the
wagon wheel using typical
framing materials. That
foundation was then covered
with plywood and maple
veneer to give the appearance
of a solid wood structure.

7. Challenges
Located 28 feet from the
ground, a special scaffolding
system was built to keep
workers safe while crafting
the wagon wheel.

8. Challenges
The wheel had to be stained
and finished on site while
other sub-contractors were
not present. This required
working late into the night.

9. Finishing Touches
Nearing completion of the
project, craftsmen decided to
add specialized stains and
glazing to the sharp edges of
this piece to give the wheel a
weathered, time-worn look.

10. The Final Product
Once complete, this
dramatic feature created the
perfect accent to this
elegant rotunda.