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