Spiral stairs and helical stairs
Spiral and helical staircases can create a sense of light within properties, they can take up less space than traditional stairs, and can create a focal point to a design. They are often available as pre-fabricated kits.
Approved document K, Protection from falling, collision and impact, gives the following definitions.
- A spiral stair is a stair in a helix around a central column.
- A helical stair is a stair in a helix around a central void.
The approved document requires that spiral stairs and helical stairs are designed in accordance with BS 5395-2 Stairs, ladders and walkways. Code of practice for the design of helical and spiral stairs [1984 + AMD 6076, Corrigenda July 2008, C2, C3]. It gives recommendations for the design of internal and external helical and spiral stairs and gives guidance on the geometry of helical and spiral stairs, including:
- Alternative materials, components and methods of design and construction.
- Materials.
- Design.
- Fire protection and means of escape.
- Load tests.
- Design geometry.
- Typical layouts for stairs.
- Relationship between rise and going.
- Measurement of clear width and goings.
- Landings.
- Maximum gap between column and tread.
- Calculation of going.
- Calculation of clear headroom.
- Structural materials.
- Sizes of stairs.
Helical and spiral stairs involve the use of tapered treads. A tapered tread is a step in which the going (the depth from front to back of a tread, less any overlap with the next tread above) reduces from one side to the other. Approved document K requires that consecutive tapered treads, should use the same going. If a stair consists of straight and tapered treads, the going of the tapered treads should not be less than the going of the straight treads.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.
The story of this knowledge quarter building.
In ecology, in hydrology, in biology and in architecture.
Creating environments that promote physical, mental, and social well-being.
UK cases of neutral current diversion
Research project looks for example contributions.
Overstocking and macro-economics cause a decline.
The 2024 update of the Common Assessment Standard
Demonstrating organisational capability’ to fulfil roles under the Building Safety Act.
56 recommendations for a better built environment
Published by the CIC ahead of the King’s Speech.
SkillELECTRIC Top 8 Competitors Named
in annual search for the UK’s best student electrician.
CIOB Diversity and Inclusion technical information sheet
Step-by-step guide on implementing D and I practices.
Conservation and the Indian City. Book review.
Reversibility in conservation ethics
Learning from painting conservation.
Where It's AT Podcast launched!
New CIAT Architectural Technology Podcast goes live.