Types of staircases
details
methods of construction
Architectural presentation
assignment
Stairs are used to create a pedestrian route between different vertical levels by dividing the height between the levels into manageable steps. Very generally, the word 'stairs' refers to a staircase, whereas the word 'step' refers to the steps that make up the staircase.
The type of stairs suitable for different situations will depend on:
The supporting structure.
The amount and type of usage it is likely to receive.
The space available and its geometry.
The difference in height between the top and bottom.
Materials selection
Stairs may be:
Open tread or closed tread.
Provided with handrails on one or both sides, or in the middle on wide stairs.
Enclosed by walls or open on one or both side.
Different widths and lengths and may have a range of step dimensions.
Different geometries.
Staircase used in Indian Buildings _____
South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre (SAHRDC),New Delhi
Hotel Taj,Mumbai
Mahabat Maqbara ,Junagarh
Indian Institute of Management,Ahmedabad
Om dayal college of architecture
2. INTRODUCTION
Stairs are used to create a pedestrian route between
different vertical levels by dividing the height
between the levels into manageable steps. Very
generally, the word 'stairs' refers to a staircase,
whereas the word 'step' refers to the steps that make
up the staircase.
The type of stairs suitable for
different situations will depend on:
⢠The supporting structure.
⢠The amount and type of usage it
is likely to receive.
⢠The space available and its
geometry.
⢠The difference in height
between the top and bottom.
⢠Materials selection
Stairs may be:
⢠Open tread or closed tread.
⢠Provided with handrails on one or both
sides, or in the middle on wide stairs.
⢠Enclosed by walls or open on one or
both side.
⢠Different widths and lengths and may
have a range of step dimensions.
⢠Different geometries.
3. TYPES
As per their shapes and
geometrical appearances
As per the step type and the
entrance or first step size.
5. Single and Double flight
Staircases
The straight staircase is the simplest
staircase design.Â
There are two types:
1.Straight (single flight), and
2.Straight with landing (double flight).
Theyâre the easiest type of stairs to ascend
and descend as well as build.
However, theyâre pretty plain and donât
offer a grand design like a winding or
bifurcated staircase.
6.
7. Advantages of Straight Stairs:
⢠ďˇStraight stairs tend to be the easiest to go up
and down, or, ascend/descend, as we say in
the industry.
⢠ďˇThey are typically the easiest to build,
however, this depends a lot on the level of
detail in the design.
⢠ďˇStraight stairs only need to be connected at
the top and the bottom (no intermediate
supporting structure is required).
⢠ďˇThey work well with minimalist designed
homes due to their inherent simplicity.
⢠ďˇBy selecting thinner treads, open risers, and
thin metal stringers, straight stairs can be made
more transparent than other types of stairs,
allowing less obstruction to the view beyond.
⢠ďˇNo landing is required if the number of risers
is kept under 16 or the overall vertical height is
less than 12 feet.
⢠ďˇItâs relatively easy to build railings and
handrails for straight stairs.
⢠ďˇMeasuring for railings for straight stairs is
simpler than for other stair designs.
Disadvantages of Straight Stairs:
⢠ďˇStraight stairs use up a fair amount of linear
space, which has to be planned for in your
design.
⢠ďˇSome of the other stair types create a
privacy barrier between the floors of your
home. Straight stairs do not offer this privacy.
⢠ďˇA stair 12-feet high requires a landing to
break up the span. The addition of a landing
will use up a lot more space and therefore
these types of stairs are seldom used in
residential construction. You will see these
more frequently in large commercial
buildings.
9. Half Turn Staircases
The half-turn staircaseâor 2/4âis a variant
of the quarter-turn staircase. It consists of
two straight flights with two 90° turns. With
this type of staircase, from the base to the
top, the steps and the person on them turn
180°.
This is a very popular design because itâs a
decent space-saver by doubling up. Itâs
also a fairly simple style to build technically
speaking (relative to bifurcated or winding
for example). Structurally, the flights of a
dog-leg stair are usually supported by the
half-landing, which spans the adjoining
flank walls.
It is two types (1) dog-legged & (2) open
newel
11. Advantages of Straight Stairs:
⢠Efficient use of space: This type of
staircase covers much less area than
straight They allow for a more compact
stair arrangement.
⢠Privacy: These stairs are great if you want
to separate one floor from another for any
reason. As the top floor cannot be seen
and vice versa, these stairs offer ample
privacy to users.
Disadvantages of Straight Stairs:
⢠Difficult to build: These stairs are not very
easy to build.
⢠Handrails on these stairs also need
careful planning.
12. Quarter Turn Staircases
(L-Shaped)
The quarter-turn staircase is one where it
turns 90° at some point. The âquarterâ
refers to the degree of turn, not that it turns
quarter of the way up.
This type of staircase is great for certain
types of home layouts such as one with a
foyer where the door is in from the wall
sufficient enough to fit in part of the stairs.
Itâs more interesting in design than a
straight design and the turn means there
will almost always be a small landing part
way up.
13.
14. Advantages of Straight Stairs:
⢠L Stairs can be more visually interesting.
⢠They provide a visual barrier between floors so they
can add some privacy.
⢠Also L Stairs can help somewhat with sound
transmission between floors if the stairs are
contained within walls.
⢠Some believe they are safer than straight stairs as the
central landing reduces the number of treads one
could fall in a given flight.
⢠The landing can provide a place to stop and rest
while ascending.
⢠They can be located in a corner of a room if this
works better for your design.
Disadvantages of Straight Stairs:
⢠L shaped stairs are a bit more difficult to
build.
⢠A support is typically required for the landing
in a L type stair. Often this is built into the
surrounding walls so it goes unnoticed. In
modern dwellings however it is usually
desirable to open up the space leaving the
stair structure visible. In these cases the
supporting structure can be visually
minimized by taking advantage of the
strength of steel to create slim supporting
members. Through careful engineering,it is
possible to eliminate the landing support all
together.
⢠Handrails for these types of stairs require
more skill and planning to construct.
⢠In climates where basements are used, stairs
are typically stacked over each other for
efficient use of space. Since basements are
often used for storage, large items can be
difficult to move in and out of the basement.
15. Three Quarter Turn Staircase
It is one which has one successive turn and it has
two flights. Each flight makes right angle to each
other. It may be newel type or geometrical. In case
of newel type stair case there is newel post on
landings and in case of geometrical stair case the
stringer and the hand rail are continuous. In case of
continuous stringer type stair case, it is classified
under curved stair which is discussed later on
another section. It may have a quarter space
landing or winder at its change of direction of flights.
However, the L-shaped or quarter turn stair case
having winders are classified under winder type stair
case. Both winder type and curved stair is described
in another section. L-turn staircase is used when the
distance between the floors are less so that
adequate height is not obtained for straight stair to
be provided.
16.
17. Advantages of Straight Stairs:
⢠L Stairs are visually more interesting.
⢠They provide a visual barrier between floors so they can
add some privacy as well.
⢠Also L Stairs can help with sound transmission between
floors especially if the stairs are contained within walls.
⢠Itâs believed by some people that these are safer than
straight stairs as the central landing reduces the number
of treads one could fall in a given flight. Hence some
architects choose this over straight stairs especially in
hospitals. The same reason is also sighted for U-shape
stair case also.
⢠The landing provides a place to stop and rest during
ascending operation.
⢠They can be located in a corner of a room due to its
natural appearance if this works better for the design
only.
Disadvantages of Straight Stairs:
⢠L shaped stairs are a bit more difficult to
build.
⢠A support is typically required for the
landing in an L type stair. Often this is built
into the surrounding walls so it goes
unnoticed. In modern dwellings, however,
it is usually desirable to open up the space
leaving the stair structure visible. In these
cases the supporting structure can be
visually minimized by taking advantage of
the strength of steel to create slim
supporting members. Though due to
advent of better structural engineering, it
is possible to eliminate the landing support
altogether.
⢠In climates where basements are used,
stairs are typically stacked over each
other for efficient use of space. Since
basements are often used for storage,
large items can be difficult to move in and
out of the basement.
⢠Handrails for these types of stairs require
more skill and planning to construct.
18. Bifurcated Staircase
This is a common stair used in public buildings like
auditoriums, colleges, schools, conference halls etc.
at their entrance hall. The stair case has wider flight
at the bottom and get narrower at its two sides. One
turning is towards the left and other towards the right
at the landing. It may be of newel type or
geometrical though newel type is most common in
practice.
Also these may be bifurcated quarter turn type or
bifurcated half turn type out of which first one is
most common type.
19.
20. Advantages of Straight Stairs:
⢠These stairs are useful as they make privacy point
between the upper floors with different rooms.
⢠The design is very elegant and noticeable by the
others.
⢠There is one landing point from the two flights of
stairs starting with the wider staircase at the
bottom of the floor.
⢠The one Flight of footsteps is in the right direction
and other is in the left direction.
Disadvantages of Straight Stairs:
⢠These stairs are very expensive as compare to other
stairs.
⢠Not suitable for small space house.
⢠Requires more architectural support while
constructing these stairs.
22. Spiral Staircase
These staircases are mostly found in modern houses,
restaurants, pubs, beach house etc. and are in the
innovation style. It has one central point
through which all the footsteps are adjoining in an
upward direction via floor giving it a centric view
from the above portion.
The spiral design is a great for a secondary staircase.
Itâs a space-saving design and actually looks cool.
The downside is itâs not easy to ascend or descent.
Itâs actually pretty precarious.
The steps attach to a center pole. These can be
made with wood or metal.
23.
24. Advantages of Straight Stairs:
⢠With its compact design, these stairways take only small space within the building.
⢠The design is very attractive and is best suitable at the corner portion of the commercial or
residential place.
⢠There are different types of hand railings used to make its design extraordinary.
⢠These stairs already have structural support with its center pole.
⢠The installation process of these staircases is direct.
⢠These stairs form a circular shape when you look from the upper stairs.
Disadvantages of Straight Stairs:
⢠Navigation of spiral stair is hard as
compared to other types of stairs.
⢠No two people can move at the
same time in these kinds of stairs
as one has to wait for others to go
downward or upward.
⢠Moving large or heavy items on
these stairs is also difficult and
sometimes causes fall or injuries.
25. Helical Staircase
Helical staircases are fabricated to have the
appearance of a curve or helix. This curved structure
leads you from one level to the next by way of a
flowing circular rotation.
Because of its unique shape and rising characteristic,
this type of staircase is ideal for retail, showrooms
and atriums of public spaces. In addition, they are
suitable for various commercial and residential
applications as well.
26.
27. Advantages of Straight Stairs:
⢠The key advantage that is achieved by installing a
curved set of stairs is the amount of space that you will
save, which can be crucial with the high cost of
commercial rents. This style of stairs takes up
considerably less space than a traditional straight
staircase, enabling you to fit them in where otherwise
you might struggle. You will have to factor in the
gradient required for the staircase, and you might
need a steeper set if the space is really limited.
⢠Alongside saving space, helical staircases also give
you the chance to impress visitors, clients and potential
employees with a grand entrance area. The design of
helical stairs won't fail to stand out from standard styles,
and they provide a more unique look to your office.
⢠They can be manufactured from a range of materials,
including wood and wrought iron, enabling you to go
for a traditional look or a design that has a more
contemporary edge, so that your staircase
complements the rest of the building. This makes a
curved staircase extremely versatile, and with some
creativity you can create a truly stunning feature.
28. Disadvantages of Straight Stairs:
⢠The curved nature of the staircase and the potentially
steep gradient can create accessibility issues, particularly
for the elderly and those with mobility issues. If you're
thinking about using helical stairs, it's important that you
have another means of accessing the upper floors, such as
a lift.
⢠Due to the complex nature of helical stairs, it's important
that you choose a specialist supplier to design and install
them for you. This will provide you with peace of mind that
they are fit for purpose and offer you the durability that you
require.
⢠There is no point looking for the cheaper option, as this will
simply provide you with a low-quality set of stairs that won't
last as long. With helical stairs it's always best to choose a
custom-built design that has been manufactured to fit
precisely into the space available and meets all your
needs.
⢠With the right design of helical stairs you can have a great
feature within your entrance area that people will notice as
soon as they walk in. These stairs offer some crucial benefits,
but it is also necessary to factor in all the foreseeable issues
so that you ensure this option is practical for your
requirements.
30. Winding Staircase
The Winding staircase is a type of L- shaped stairs
with some variations by forming pie shape steps and
triangle shape steps between the staircases in a
turning point.
This design is commonly used in old homes and
offices. These stairs are in wedge shape gives a
turning point with 90 degrees on single
winder step and 180 degrees with double winder
steps.
It may be turned or continuous .
31.
32. Advantages of Straight Stairs:
⢠These stairs take less space as compare to
another staircase.
⢠The visual appearance of these staircases is very
attractive. The modern houses also use these
stairs because they form seamless
⢠conversion as they roam around corners.
⢠These stairways create the eye-pleasing effect on
others by its solid form.
Disadvantages of Straight Stairs:
⢠The winder staircase has no landing point as they are
in continuous form in different stair steps.
⢠These stairs are difficult to construct as compared to
L- shape stairs with perfect plotting route.
⢠The handrails or railings are not easily fit on these
kinds of staircases.
⢠Fallings from these stairs can cause serious injurious
without center support so center support is necessary
for implementing these stairs design at homes.
⢠One person can move at one time.
33. Curved Staircase
The designs of curved staircases are elegant and
create a lasting impression on business premises or
residential premises. These stairways are most
commonly designs at the entrance of the premises.
Curved Stairs are stairs which curve in plan. The
treads in such stairs are wedge-shaped, tapering at
one end. Curved stairs are elegant and graceful in
appearance and for this reason, the most desired in
houses.
34.
35. Advantages of Straight Stairs:
⢠Curved stairs are useful and suitable at every kind of
home.
⢠Moving up or down on the curved footsteps is easy.
⢠The curve is moderate and easy to navigate.
⢠The visual appearance is very interesting.
⢠These stairs have a large radius and make a helical
arc shape.
Disadvantages of Straight Stairs:
⢠The construction of these stairs take large time and
difficult.
⢠They are a little bit expensive as compare to others.
⢠Moving large items is sometimes time-consuming task.
⢠These staircases are not in circular form as in case of
the spiral.
36. Ladder Staircase
These types of stairs are very useful for tight space
areas with a spot on both sides. Ladder design is not
used as a main stair because they are usually helpful
in connecting the floor area to the roof area.
These staircases are available in a variety of design
in the market. The handrails are connected either
from the middle of the footsteps or from the first
footstep to last depending on the interior design of
the house.
37.
38. Advantages of Straight Stairs:
⢠The architectural design is very simple of ladder
stairways.
⢠These stairs are less expensive as compare to other
stairways.
⢠These stairs are solid when moving upward or
downward from one floor to another floor.
⢠You can also build the wheels on the stair for moving
them or fold them when you have used.
⢠These staircases are helpful for reaching the upper
portions to carry some items easily.
Disadvantages of Straight Stairs:
⢠Not suitable for the main or primary staircase at the
premises.
⢠These staircases have large steps with which moving
downward sometimes difficult.
⢠Not best is use for old age people or children.
39. Other Type Staircase _____________
Bull-nose
Round ended
Splayed
Commode
Flier
Dancing
40. Bull nose Type:
This type of stair case has an initial or entrance or first step
different from all other steps. The first step is made to
appear as quadrant of a circle at one side and then
normal flier type stairs are provided through out. The
appearance of the first step is as the nose shaped of any
cattle especially of a bull or ox. Hence itâs named so.
Round ended Type:
In this type of stair case, the first step is made round or semi
circular at one end. All other steps are normal flier type. Old
buildings and forts etc. do possess this type of finish and is
considered as one of the ornamental designs.
41. Splayed Type:
This type of stair case has a splayed or chamfered step
at the beginning. This makes the only difference of this
type from other first two type stairs.
Commode Type:
This type step has a curved tread and riser. The curved
tread and riser finish may be done to one single step i.e.
first step or to all the steps of a flight. This is ornamental
and especially located at the stair case made to climb
a stage. Also in royal buildings, itâs found out.
42. Flier Type:
Flier type stair case is normally located and most
common type stair case. Itâs rectangular in shape and
is found in all most all the buildings.
Dancing Type:
Dancing steps are also called as balancing steps. They
balance the movement of any user while climbing up
of coming down through the stair case. They look
similar to winders where the difference lies in its
construction. They differ from winder type stair case
that the steps do not radiate from a common center
and hence they do possess some width at the
radiation point instead of having pointed finish in case
of winders. Otherwise it may be called as winder too.
43. Staircase used in Indian Buildings _____
South Asia Human Rights Documentation Centre (SAHRDC),New Delhi
Hotel Taj,Mumbai
Mahabat Maqbara ,Junagarh
Indian Institute of Management,Ahmedabad
44. DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAIRCASES USED IN FAMOUS ARCHITECTURAL BUILDING IN INDIA
South Asia Human
Rights Documentation
Centre (SAHRDC),New
Delhi
Educational Building
New Delhi ,India
Architect-Anagram
Architects
Quarter Turn Staircase
45. DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAIRCASES USED IN FAMOUS ARCHITECTURAL BUILDING IN INDIA
Taj Hotel,Mumbai
Commercial Building
A Heritage ,Five Star ,Luxary Hotel
Built In Saracenic Style
Architect- Sitaram Khanderao
Vaidya d.n. Mirza
Bifurcated Staircase
46. DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAIRCASES USED IN FAMOUS ARCHITECTURAL BUILDING IN INDIA
Mahabat Maqbara ,Junagarh
Religious Building
Architect-Under Reign Of
Nawab Mahabat Khan
Spiral Staircase
47. DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAIRCASES USED IN FAMOUS ARCHITECTURAL BUILDING IN INDIA
IIM,Ahmedabad
Educational Building
Architect - Louis Khan And Balkrishna Vithaldas
Doshi
Curved Staircase
48. DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAIRCASES USED IN FAMOUS ARCHITECTURAL BUILDING IN INDIA
IIM,Ahmedabad
Educational Building
Architect - Louis Khan And Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi
Straight Staircase