Stairways can be steps to personal style

Stairways can be steps to personal style

Nirwono Joga, Contributor, Jakarta

A little bit of creativity does a lot to a flight of stairs,
transforming it into something more than just the connection to
the second floor of a house. It shows a house's character as well
as improving the overall image.

Keeping in step with technological developments as well as the
demands of a practical lifestyle, stairs can serve many
functions, including being the divider between one room and
another.

Still, there are three main requirements to building stairs --
they must be secure, comfortable and beautiful -- as well as in
terms of materials, construction structure and design.

Generally, stairs have an I, L or U formation, or take a
spiral shape. The selection of form, model and size should be
adjusted according to the available space, where it will be
located as well as the needs of its main users.

I-shaped stairs, for instance, needs longer space, while L-
and U-shaped ones need wider space that allows the use of space
below the stairs.

Y-shaped stairs are usually found in big houses since it takes
lots of space to create the desired elegant and fancy impression,
while spiral stairs are used for the sake of space efficiency in
smaller homes.

The stair structure is comprised of a riser, tread, string,
newel, railing and baluster, with each supporting one another.
And its construction can be designed based on the owners' needs,
such as by constructing a wide window to allow maximum air
circulation in the area.

For those living in a small house, stairs can be transformed
into many different spaces -- the dry bathroom, study, mini
library, seating area, storage or even a small kitchen,

However, selection of materials, textures as well as colors of
the stairs -- either those made out of wood, concrete, wrought
iron or steel -- should be in harmony with the overall style of
the house.

Wood still seems the preferred material for stairs is still
the favorite as it offers light and a natural atmosphere to the
house.

On the other hand, stairs built of concrete give a strong feel
to the house. They are also among the favorites because they have
undergone a rapid design revolution, producing various forms and
colors.

If the task of creating your own stairs is not to your liking,
there are many ready-to-use stairs available -- from those made
of steel to wrought iron -- at competitive prices.

-- The writer is a landscape architect