Gordon Avenue: Concrete Staircase & Bespoke Balustrade Design
Residential Property
Gordon Avenue is a striking residential project showcasing a bespoke staircase and balustrade designed, manufactured and installed by Handrail Creations. The project centred around a concrete staircase clad in stone by the main contractor, with integrated LED lighting used to emphasise the form of the stairs. To complement the contemporary architecture, we manufactured more than 40 linear metres of helical ash handrail alongside bespoke mild steel balusters finished in black.
The combination of natural ash, powder-coated steel, stone and integrated lighting creates a contemporary staircase with a strong architectural presence.
Bespoke Balustrade Design for a Concrete Staircase
The concrete staircase provided a distinctive foundation for the balustrade design. Once the staircase had been clad in stone, our team developed the handrail and balustrade around its complex helical form.
Rather than using a standard handrail system, the design required more than 40 linear metres of continuous helical ash handrail to follow the staircase. This presented a significant manufacturing challenge, as the handrail needed to maintain a consistent profile and fit accurately along the full length of the curved staircase.
Our approach to bespoke balustrade design allowed the individual elements to be considered as one complete system, from the shape of the ash handrail through to the positioning and fixing of the steel balusters.
Helical Ash Handrail Manufactured Using 5-Axis CNC
The extensive helical ash handrail was manufactured using our advanced 5-axis CNC machinery.
Five-axis machining allows complex three-dimensional timber forms to be manufactured with a high degree of accuracy. This was particularly important for Gordon Avenue, where the handrail needed to follow the continuous helical geometry of the staircase across more than 40 linear metres.
The CNC manufacturing process allowed the handrail to be produced accurately while maintaining consistency along its length. This precision was essential to achieving the smooth, continuous appearance required by the design.
The finished ash handrail provides a natural contrast to the stone-clad concrete staircase and black metalwork, helping to soften the more architectural elements of the space.
Integrated Spindle Fixing for a Clean Finish
A key detail of the Gordon Avenue balustrade design was the way the steel spindles were integrated into the underside of the ash handrail. Rather than relying on a visible steel core rail, our team individually milled square holes into the underside of the timber to house each spindle. This created a clean connection between the handrail and balusters while keeping the underside of the staircase visually uncluttered.
This type of bespoke fixing solution is particularly useful when the design calls for a continuous handrail without the appearance of a conventional core rail. By machining the fixing points as part of the manufacturing process, each spindle could be positioned accurately to suit the finished balustrade.
Bespoke Mild Steel Balusters with Black Powder Coating
The balusters were manufactured by Handrail Creations’ fabrication team using mild steel before being powder coated black. The dark finish creates a strong visual contrast against the lighter stone and natural ash, reinforcing the contemporary character of the staircase.
Powder coating also provides a durable finish suitable for the intended interior application, while allowing the colour and appearance of the metalwork to be specified as part of the overall staircase design. The result is a carefully coordinated combination of timber and metal, with each material performing a distinct role within the design.
Contemporary Staircase Design with Integrated Lighting
The staircase was clad in stone by the contractor, with LED strips incorporated into the installation to bring the staircase to life. The lighting emphasises the curves and changes in level of the concrete staircase while complementing the continuous form of the ash handrail. Together, the lighting, stone, timber and metalwork create a cohesive architectural feature rather than treating the balustrade as a separate addition.
This project demonstrates how bespoke handrail and balustrade design can be integrated into a wider architectural concept, particularly where the staircase is intended to become a focal point within a residential interior.
Precision Manufacturing and Efficient Installation
The complete project was delivered within eight weeks, with installation taking less than one week.
A significant proportion of the detailed manufacturing work was completed within our workshop before the installation team arrived on site. This included the CNC machining of the helical ash handrail and fabrication and finishing of the steel balusters.
Preparing bespoke components in a controlled workshop environment allows our team to focus on precision and finishing before delivery, while reducing the amount of specialist manufacturing work required during installation.
For complex staircase projects, this approach can make the installation process more efficient while helping maintain consistency between the individual components.
A Bespoke Balustrade Designed Around the Client’s Vision
Gordon Avenue was developed around a clear client vision for a contemporary staircase that combined natural timber with contrasting metalwork. Handrail Creations worked closely with the client to develop the design, fabricate the steel balusters and manufacture the curved ash handrail to create the desired finished appearance.
Managing Director Kenny Macfarlane said: “Our client had a vision and needed to bring it to life. He trusted us to design, fabricate and paint the spindles to complement the curved ash handrails. The results are outstanding.”
The completed staircase demonstrates how bespoke manufacturing can turn a complex architectural concept into a precisely engineered and carefully finished installation.
Bespoke Balustrades and Staircase Design by Handrail Creations
Handrail Creations designs, manufactures and installs bespoke balustrades and handrails for residential and commercial projects throughout the UK. Our combination of digital surveying, CAD design, 5-axis CNC machining, metal fabrication and traditional craftsmanship allows us to create solutions for complex staircases, including curved and helical forms.
From a contemporary concrete staircase to a traditional timber staircase, our team can develop the handrail and balustrade around the architecture, materials and requirements of the individual project.
Inspired by this project? Get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements and find out how we can create a bespoke handrail or balustrade for your space.
FAQs
What type of staircase was used at Gordon Avenue?
Gordon Avenue features a concrete staircase that was clad in stone by the contractor. The staircase incorporates integrated LED strip lighting and a bespoke helical ash handrail with black steel balusters.
How much handrail was manufactured for Gordon Avenue?
Handrail Creations manufactured more than 40 linear metres of helical ash handrail for the project. The handrail was produced using 5-axis CNC machining to accurately follow the staircase’s complex curved geometry.
How was the balustrade fixed without a visible core rail?
Square holes were individually milled into the underside of the ash handrail to house the steel spindles. This bespoke fixing method removed the need for a visible steel core rail and helped create a clean finish beneath the handrail.
What materials were used for the Gordon Avenue balustrade?
The project combined ash timber for the handrail with mild steel balusters. The steel components were powder coated black to create a contemporary contrast with the natural timber and stone-clad staircase.
Can you manufacture a balustrade for a concrete staircase?
Yes. Bespoke balustrades can be designed around different staircase structures and finishes, including concrete staircases. Where the staircase has a complex or curved geometry, digital surveying and CNC manufacturing can help achieve an accurate fit.
Can you manufacture helical or curved handrails?
Yes. Handrail Creations specialises in bespoke curved and continuous handrails, including complex helical forms. Advanced 5-axis CNC machining allows three-dimensional timber components to be manufactured accurately.
What is a bespoke balustrade?
A bespoke balustrade is designed and manufactured specifically for an individual staircase or architectural space rather than being selected from a standard range. The design can be tailored to the staircase geometry, materials, fixing requirements and desired aesthetic.
Can timber and steel be combined in a balustrade?
Yes. Timber and steel are frequently combined to create contemporary staircase designs. At Gordon Avenue, the natural ash handrail was paired with black powder-coated steel balusters to create contrast between the two materials.
How long did the Gordon Avenue project take?
The complete project was delivered in eight weeks, with the installation itself taking less than one week. The manufacturing and preparation of the bespoke components was completed ahead of installation.
Do you design, manufacture and install bespoke balustrades?
Yes. Handrail Creations provides a complete service covering the design, manufacture and installation of bespoke handrails and balustrades. We can work with homeowners, architects, contractors and developers on both residential and commercial projects.