Stairway 2 Haven

As far as names go, Stairway to Haven couldn’t have been a more fitting one for this remarkable and challenging renovation. We transformed this original 1912, 1150 SF 1-1/2 story slender frame into a significantly spacious and inviting 1650 SF 2 story home. A conceptually strong, sculptural, and curvaceous staircase, stems from the core intent of the project. The clients wished to make use of the void in the attic space above the living room area and turn it into a new bedroom wing with bath. They also wished to expand the 2nd floor of the building at the rear to enlarge their master bedroom, incorporating a full master bathroom and additional open area office.

In order to achieve this, the existing multi-tiered staircase simply would not do, particularly with the low ceiling height of the pitched roof. To keep the central dining room core light and airy, the idea of a bridge linking up the two spaces was central to the design. This elegant white staircase delivers the homeowners onto a spectacular and sleek, black, glazed, bridge. These two highly contrasting yet complimentary features of the home, harmoniously make the whole space come alive. Speaking to one another poetically, as they hover over the dining area with a perfectly framed Zen stone garden, it defines the ultimate dining space experience. The residence is also generously fenestrated due to its optimum orientation.

Of course these extensive changes led to the complete renovation of the ground floor, including an entirely new kitchen, laundry and powder rooms as well as a 2 way see through fireplace visible from the entire home.

All natural looking materials were used including select grade and knotty western red cedar siding which contrast the original painted grey wood cladding. Warm tiles, walnut cabinetry and shelving all tie in beautifully with the reclaimed wood design features from the charming old home throughout.

As the Ying is to its Yang, so are the Stairway 2 Haven’s most predominant and intrinsic design elements. Indispensable to complete this remarkable and challenging renovation, the masculine, sleek, black, glass bridge, receives the feminine, curvaceous, white drywall staircase with elegant open riser wood treads, linking the two spaces over the 2 story open vaulted dining room. This conceptually strong pairing, work well together, particular due to their contrasting colors, textures, finishes and assemblies. The curves in the stairs resemble a DNA helix. Its shape is fundamentally born to connect the two areas of the house together with the most compact, efficient yet elegant geometry. A strong need to express this link with a big bold statement urged on ever so convincingly during both the design and construction stages of the project, thus choosing a black glass to express it was imperative. Technically challenging, due to the spatial restrictions, the absolute perfect radius for the semi-spiraled staircase was achieved to make the staircase work. Carefully crafting the sculptural stair volume was in of itself another grand effort. Maintaining a sleek narrow continuous guardrail, smoothed and finished to perfection, these stairs are a delightful showstopper to all visitors, particularly as they glow when the Zen garden spotlights below it, are lit.

The stainless steel structural buttons punctuate the base of the glass bridge guardrails, holding the whole thing in place. Exposed white painted steel beams support the whole, adding a soft industrial touch. The entire assembly is kissed by 4 custom bulb light fixtures hanging from the sloped ceiling with red cables further strengthen the bond between Stair and Bridge.

Reclaimed wood planks from the old home, wrap the underside of the bridge giving it an authentic touch, to capture the warmth and charm of its predecessor.