Courtesy Vanmark Group

Creating the Barn

As a family business, Vanmark Group’s ethos is very similar to our own, creating properties which are unique with a real focus on the fine details. Vanessa Taylor, Project Director at Vanmark Group, discussed their approach:

“Every project we take on is carefully thought through to ensure our properties are sympathetic to the surrounding areas, following guidance from Archaeologists and Heritage planning constraints. We don’t just build ‘boxes’, our homes have character and quirky elements to make them stand out. We had been looking for a plot at Frilford for some time and when this land came up for sale with outline planning permission featuring 3 completely different properties, we knew this fitted perfectly within our criteria.”

The site earmarked for Ash Tree Barn featured a small, derelict barn which had become so overgrown with ivy that it was impossible to get inside and was too rundown to be underpinned. After relocating a family of bats which were roosting in the walls to new accommodation in a nearby tree, Vanmark’s brilliant stone mason got to work dismantling the barn piece by piece before rebuilding it within the same footprint using the same stone.

Courtesy Vanmark Group

The old barn provides kitchen and dining space attached to the main building via a glass atrium. At the centre of the new home, Vanmark also created a stunning library space with full height glass to the front and rear filling it with light. This space also links to the upper bedrooms via an open landing. To give it an extra ‘wow factor’, they opted to provide access to this via a spiral staircase.

Choosing a staircase

Courtesy Vanmark Group

Vanmark’s architect discovered our website when researching options for the space as Vanessa Taylor explained:

“At this time, we hadn’t decided on the style or spec for the stairs and were weighing up the options. Our architect spoke to Ben Harding, who was extremely helpful answering his questions, and so he recommended we use them if we decided to opt for the spiral staircase. We looked on the British Spirals website and found the Scandinavian style spiral and immediately fell in love. It worked perfectly with the materials we had chosen to build the barn with such as natural stone and anthracite cladding. Ben suggested we powder coat the handrail to match the colour of the cladding and we were sold. Because it’s a hand-built product they can basically bespoke the stairs to your requirements.”

Given the large dimensions of the space, a typical diameter staircase may have ended up looking out of place. For this reason, we designed the staircase in a much larger diameter of 2300mm, creating additional visual impact whilst also providing plenty of tread space for the homeowners.

Our Scandinavian spiral staircases are extremely versatile and we can supply the treads in a wide range of Grade-A timbers. To embody the name of the property, in this case the treads were specified in characterful Ash with matching Ash risers.

Courtesy Vanmark Group

With the family looking to move in in time for Christmas, Vanmark faced a race against time during the pandemic so it was important that they could rely on all the suppliers to deliver on time without compromising on quality.

“We were very happy with the service we received from British Spirals & Castings” Vanessa explained. “Nothing was too much trouble, the drawings were turned around quickly and efficiently. Ben and Joe were easy to get hold of at any stage of the project (which is crucial when you are project managing the build). Any queries were resolved quickly and efficiently. It was a nice touch when we received photos of the staircase in the manufacturing process, it was also reassuring when you put your trust into a company that are not local to you and you have never had dealings with before. Delivery was scheduled on a particular day and turned up and off loaded as promised. The design of the spiral meant that our carpentry team and Site Manager could assemble the stairs with limited fuss as it all slotted together. They even supplied some colour coded paint for any scratches or damage to the handrails and balustrades during the installation process, which was very useful.”

Despite all the challenges posed by the pandemic, through their expert project management, Vanmark made good on their promise to get the property handed over for 18^th December, a testament to their dedication and quality workmanship. You can take a look at the properties Vanmark Group are currently working on here.

If you are interested in having a bespoke spiral staircase installed in your own property, visit our gallery to view some of the options and submit a quote or get in touch via phone or email.

The post Making an impression with a spiral staircase appeared first on British Spirals & Castings.

There is a genuine pleasure in being able to bring the metalwork designs of past generations to life for the modern day. Typically, we are asked to do this work when replacing or reinstating iron railings, balusters and gates which have been damaged or lost to time. Recently, however, we had the opportunity to authentically recreate early 18^th Century cast iron balusters for an entirely new residence.

Situated within green belt land, the three-storey mansion had been designed in the Queen Anne Style. Throughout the construction, great care has been taken to ensure authenticity. This included the use of handmade bricks and tiles, reconstituted stonework and sliding sash windows of the correct proportions. There is even an original 18^th-century fire mark on the front elevation of the home.

Internally, traditional solid oak panelled doors and marble are combined with modern conveniences such as underfloor heating. At the heart of the home is a galleried entrance hallway which spans the full height of the property and is illuminated by a large roof light.  The homeowners approached us to provide British manufactured cast iron spindles and newel posts for the balustrading around these galleried areas, along with the balustrade required to the grand staircase that served the two upper floors.

Creating Custom Balusters

Working with the homeowners, we took considerable time selecting spindles and newel posts. The staircase is visible from the moment that you enter the property and therefore need the exact same level of attention to detail as other statement pieces in the property. The key challenge was creating a design which matched the period and style that the client wanted, whilst also meeting all aspects of the Building Regulations. Initially the homeowners were looking to include decorative panels every third or fourth tread, however, this would’ve led to gaps greater than 100 mm at the top of the baluster making it non-compliant.

After discussing a number of alternative options, the owners selected a traditional twisted cast iron spindle and married this up with a more decorative, statement newel post. The newel posts sit at the corner of the each of the gallery sections and at the foot of the staircases meaning they had to be showcase features. A core rail was fixed to the top of the balusters to secure them in place and to allow a bespoke oak handrail to fit on top which was crafted and created by Handrail Creations, who we recommended to the client as our partner of choice as we have worked with on many other projects.

Floors throughout the entrance hall are finished in marble. We worked with the project stone masons to ensure that they knew exactly where the marble needed to be drilled, the hole size and depth of the holes. Our experienced specialist cast iron team triple checked every measurement to ensure the final balustrade sat perfectly.

After a two-and-a-half-year build programme, the homeowners were finally able to move into the house in the autumn of 2018 and were delighted with the balusters saying the finished results look fantastic! We agree that it looks fantastic too and shows that visions can be achieved when bring the old to the new.

Interested in a custom metalwork or a bespoke staircase or balcony for your own property? Take a look at our website, request a quote or — if you have any queries — get in touch via phone, email or by visiting our showroom here in beautiful Derbyshire.

The post Recreating Baroque Charm with Bespoke Cast Iron Balusters appeared first on British Spirals & Castings.

When working with period homes, you must be able to handle the occasional obstacle. Quirky building features and tougher planning requirements are common issues. We had to deal with both on a recent external staircase and balcony order which included a decorative metal side-screen.

Restoration

The staircase was manufactured for a 19^th Century villa located within a conservation zone in the West Midlands. The three-storey property had been extensively refurbished in the past with a double storey extension constructed at the rear and a top storey conversion to create a separate apartment.  To provide dedicated access to the apartment, an industrial style metal staircase had also been fitted.

In 2016, owners Kathy and Martin Gomberg decided to sensitively refurbish the rear elevation, fitting traditional style sash windows and replacing the extension with a single storey, pitched roof design that echoes the main body of the house. To complete the refreshed aesthetic, the couple also chose to replace the functional external staircase.

A Bespoke Solution

“We wanted an attractive, space efficient replacement that suited our house’s style better,” Kathy Gomberg explained. “We came across British Spirals & Castings on a web search and their Victorian range staircases seemed ideal. ”

Once the Gombergs got in touch, our design team discussed the particular project requirements and showed them some of the available options. The final design featured an 1830 mm diameter cast aluminium Victorian spiral staircase with decorative spindles. The balcony was also cast aluminium and included perforated metal landing plates. This allowed easy drainage and improved daylight in the space below.

One of the conditions of the planning application was that a 1.8 metre tall privacy screen was fitted on the side of the balcony facing a neighbouring property. We created a bespoke design for this application. As with all our cast aluminium staircases and railings, the design was then crafted by our specialist foundry in Staffordshire. All of the items were then sent to our workshop for tooling and to be powder coated black.

“We feel the sensitive design of the staircase and balcony helped us to gain planning approval for our alterations and the assent of the council’s conservation officer to the details,” Kathy Gomberg said.

Onsite Challenges

Once we had manufactured the pieces, they were carefully packed up and delivered to site ready to be fitted. This would normally be the end of the manufacturing process for us but damage to the original building wall meant that a “false wall” one brick thick had to be constructed over the original rear façade. As a result, the landing ended up being slightly more than 10 cm out from the doorway on the first floor.

“British Spirals & Castings were quick to respond to our request for a further baluster and an extra newel post to fill the gap,” Kathy Gomberg said. “This ensured the landing is safe and satisfies building regulations.

“In fact, the staircase looks stunning in situ and really enhances the building’s period feel. I’d also like to mention how extremely helpful and friendly Ben Harding and the rest of his team have been at every step of the project. Their customer service is outstanding!”

British Spirals & Castings offer staircases, balconies and railings in a wide range of traditional and modern designs. Whatever your requirements, we can supply a bespoke solution backed up with friendly customer service. Take a look at the design on our website or come visit our showroom here in Derbyshire and we’ll help you find your perfect match.

The post Bringing Victorian Style to an External Staircase & Balcony appeared first on British Spirals & Castings.

Fine ironwork has long been a defining part of the London street scene. Many homeowners are now reinstating the beautiful railings and balusters outside their properties, which were removed as materials for the war effort. Earlier this year, we helped one family to do just that on their home in South West London.

The five bedroomed, mid-Victorian property would originally have had ornate metalwork running along the front garden and leading up the steps to the main entrance on the raised ground floor – which is quite high. One whole length of the railing running along the steps was missing — along with some individual balustrades from the side that remained. New owners, Alexander and Elmerice Fairfax, were keen to restore both sides to their original state, as Alexander explained:

“This was not only about aesthetics but also the safety of our visitors, our three-month-old daughter and ourselves; standing at the top of a two meter drop every time you come in or out of the house makes you feel quite giddy!”

“When we began looking into restoring the ironwork we had no clue as to who to approach, what the cost might be or how they would be made” Alexander added. “Following an exhaustive search, I approached perhaps six different companies – some local to us, some further away. Antonia from British Spirals & Castings was the first to respond and her efficiency, professionalism and can-do approach was clear from the start. Conversely, the other response I received arrived four weeks behind, contained a higher estimate and from the outset indicated that costs would likely rise. Following the experience of renovating our home last year, we knew that efficiency and reliability counts for so much and we are so glad we made the choice we did.”

A Perfect Match

Using images of the existing railing, we were able to identify the original pattern moulds for the ornate spindles and accurately recast them. Having taken the site measurements, we then worked on them in our London based workshops before returning to the property to install them.

Now in-situ, the new railings are virtually indistinguishable from the originals. This attention to detail was particularly important as the home is located within a conservation zone. Often, the stricter requirements within these areas can make owners reluctant to consider exterior changes, however, planners are often more than happy to support sensitive restorations.

“Our council is very keen that those willing to restore their homes toward their original condition do so” Alexander explained. “In some cases, they even provide grants to those considering installing the original ironwork and stained-glass windows — a feature of the local properties. After all, it helps to improve the appearance of the area.”

“We are thrilled with the results and were so impressed with Antonia at British Spirals & Castings and the craftsmanship of Steve who came to fit the railings. It’s lovely to come home every day and see the house looking as good as it ever has done, and our neighbours have been very complimentary. I would heartily recommend British Spirals & Castings to anyone!”

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Deep in Northern Europe, where the clear waters of Lake Mälaren meet with the bitter chill of the Baltic, there lies a city seemingly lost in time. With its swirling spires and giant halls, Stockholm remains one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world and it was amongst these inspiring surroundings that one of our cast Victorian spiral staircases found its home.

The Stockholm Wine Bar opened in June 2014 and has received rave reviews from critics and visitors alike serving up culinary creations from head chef Ian Doyle, previously of Noma in Copenhagen and Japan. The restaurant and bar is situated within the historic Davidsonska House, a stunning architectural masterpiece combining medieval and renaissance styles, completed in 1894-96.

When he first took the lease on the property, CEO Malcolm Rangnitt wanted to restore the interior of the property to emphasise the grandeur of its stone façade. At the heart of vision was the installation of a spiral staircase, running from the main bar area to a subterranean wine cellar and tasting room.

“We needed a staircase built precisely to the existing building dimensions which would both complement, and enhance, its period stylings,” Malcolm explained. “After consulting with British Spirals & Castings, we chose a Victorian style cast aluminium staircase with highly ornate treads. The spiral stairs provide the perfect finishing touch for our bar area and we regularly receive compliments about them from our guests.”

The versatility and intricacy of our Victorian staircase range has made them a popular choice, both indoors and out. Our highly experienced craftsmen cast each section using traditional greensand techniques and our own mould designs. This gives us complete control over the quality of source material and the casting, ensuring our customers only
receive the finest staircases.

For the Stockholm Wine Bar, the spiral staircase was completed in a traditional black finish with three balusters per tread. This stylish configuration reduces the gaps between the balusters to less than 100 mm, making it compliant with UK and Swedish Building Regulations. The bespoke design also allows the top of the staircase to be seamlessly accessed from both main bar area, and a lower level corridor.

 

So, next time you visit the “Venice of the North”, why not stop by at The Stockholm Wine Bar and enjoy our craftsmanship with a glass of fine wine.

The post The Toast of Stockholm appeared first on British Spirals & Castings.

Bryan Drew, the homeowner decided to include a three storey spiral staircase as part of the extensive refurbishment of his property, which also included creating an open plan kitchen, dining and living area with an Orangery added to the rear.  The house was completely redecorated and many other improvements were also made, including the replacement of the fireplace in the formal dining room with an 1880’s marble surround and basket which could have been installed when the property was originally built.

Bryan Drew commented “I was making a number of improvements at Westbrooke House and wanted an alternative to a timber staircase that would suit the overall look of the property whilst being stylish as well as functional.  I first came across British Spirals & Castings when searching the internet, and after an initial meeting with Richard Harding the MD I felt confident they could provide me with the staircase I was after.”

The traditional Victorian Cast staircase consists of three flights of stairs (39 steps) linking the cellar- kitchen-guest bedrooms on first floor – loft, with 3 balusters per tread, this staircase is the first from British Spirals & Castings to feature a brass handrail.

Richard Harding, Managing Director at British Spirals & Castings said “We have been producing bespoke staircases for over 30 years, and in that time this is the first time we have ever had one which included a brass handrail. This just goes to show that we really mean it when we say we can produce whatever staircase design you like!”

Bryan Drew added “I wanted a traditional looking spiral staircase but was slightly concerned that it could potentially look like someone had stuck a fire escape in the middle of my house.  With the inclusion of the brass handrail, the Anthracite Grey colour (RAL 7016) of the staircase was broken up and it has emphasised the staircase as a feature point in my home.”

British Spirals & Castings have been designing and manufacturing bespoke spiral stairs, straight staircases and balconies since 1980; all hand crafted here in the UK to each customers requirements.

The post More than just a staircase appeared first on British Spirals & Castings.

Located on the Welsh/Cheshire/Shropshire borders and set within large gardens, with superb restaurants in the locality as well as many fabulous bridal paths and cross country courses.

So, there you have the setting, a beautiful example of the English Rose at its best, and beauty should always choose like for like. The Morris family chose to complement their beautiful home and business, a stunning Traditional Victorian Spiral Staircase from British Spirals & Castings.

Spiral Stair Compliments Walled Garden Suite

Mrs Morris contacted us a few months ago as she was creating a new suite in the house known as the Walled Suite.

This was a duplex suite and therefore needed a space saving but practical staircase to provide access from one floor to another. Due to the design and décor of the guest house, they wanted the staircase to be safe, light and offer to something a little different from the norm to make the suites that little bit more special.

A spiral staircase was ideal and when given the option of the ornate infill panel to enhance the traditional feel of the staircase and have it powder coated in a colour of her choice, Mrs Morris had found her vision.

Space was limited as construction of the suite had already begun. We had to use what we had to make a spiral fit in with the design. One of the benefits that British Spirals & Castings can offer over our main competitors is that we have 14 different diameters of cast treads to offer. All our treads are different styles, enabling us to make a staircase fit comfortably whatever the space available.

Also as we own our own foundry we were able to manipulate the casting production as well as manufacture production timetable to be able to deliver her staircase, landing plate and landing balustrade within 3 weeks ensuring that the client was ready for their first guest.

Staircase Testimonial from Mrs Morris

“I am pleased to say that everything was installed and completed in time for my guests on Saturday evening. Take a look at our website, the staircase is in the walled garden suite.

I have uploaded some photographs this morning so you can see how gorgeous is looks and how it has enhanced the suite.

Many thanks for your prompt service, very much appreciated.”

So go on and take a look for yourselves and see what you think. The photos can be seen here, look out for us in photos 8 and 22!

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