Stairways can be steps to personal style<\/p>\n
Nirwono Joga, Contributor, Jakarta<\/p>\n
A little bit of creativity does a lot to a flight of stairs,
\ntransforming it into something more than just the connection to
\nthe second floor of a house. It shows a house's character as well
\nas improving the overall image.<\/p>\n
Keeping in step with technological developments as well as the
\ndemands of a practical lifestyle, stairs can serve many
\nfunctions, including being the divider between one room and
\nanother.<\/p>\n
Still, there are three main requirements to building stairs --
\nthey must be secure, comfortable and beautiful -- as well as in
\nterms of materials, construction structure and design.<\/p>\n
Generally, stairs have an I, L or U formation, or take a
\nspiral shape. The selection of form, model and size should be
\nadjusted according to the available space, where it will be
\nlocated as well as the needs of its main users.<\/p>\n
I-shaped stairs, for instance, needs longer space, while L-
\nand U-shaped ones need wider space that allows the use of space
\nbelow the stairs.<\/p>\n
Y-shaped stairs are usually found in big houses since it takes
\nlots of space to create the desired elegant and fancy impression,
\nwhile spiral stairs are used for the sake of space efficiency in
\nsmaller homes.<\/p>\n
The stair structure is comprised of a riser, tread, string,
\nnewel, railing and baluster, with each supporting one another.
\nAnd its construction can be designed based on the owners' needs,
\nsuch as by constructing a wide window to allow maximum air
\ncirculation in the area.<\/p>\n
For those living in a small house, stairs can be transformed
\ninto many different spaces -- the dry bathroom, study, mini
\nlibrary, seating area, storage or even a small kitchen,<\/p>\n
However, selection of materials, textures as well as colors of
\nthe stairs -- either those made out of wood, concrete, wrought
\niron or steel -- should be in harmony with the overall style of
\nthe house.<\/p>\n
Wood still seems the preferred material for stairs is still
\nthe favorite as it offers light and a natural atmosphere to the
\nhouse.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, stairs built of concrete give a strong feel
\nto the house. They are also among the favorites because they have
\nundergone a rapid design revolution, producing various forms and
\ncolors.<\/p>\n
If the task of creating your own stairs is not to your liking,
\nthere are many ready-to-use stairs available -- from those made
\nof steel to wrought iron -- at competitive prices.<\/p>\n
-- The writer is a landscape architect<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/stairways-can-be-steps-to-personal-style-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }