Stair Formats

Elements that shape a stair

Stairs are more than circulation tools — they are spatial markers, architectural statements, and moments of movement made tangible. Every stair is a composition of interdependent elements, each contributing to its function, form, and identity. From the stringers that carry the load to the treads we touch, from the balustrades that guide us to the soffits that shape the underside — understanding stair anatomy reveals how each part plays a role in the overall design.

At Asentis, every stair is approached as a bespoke solution, shaped by structure, materiality, context, and experience — with each detail thoughtfully considered to elevate both purpose and presence.

Stair Design Elements

Stairs

Stairs are as varied as the spaces they inhabit — from bold architectural statements to efficient connectors that support flow and function. At Asentis, we tailor each stair to suit its environment, purpose, and the experience it’s meant to create. Whether it’s a dramatic helical stair anchoring a lobby, a practical switchback supporting high foot traffic, or a curved form that softens circulation through a space, each typology offers unique spatial and structural advantages. Understanding these forms helps unlock new design possibilities and create stairs that are both purposeful and inspiring.

Handrails

Handrails serve not only as safety features but as integral components of architectural expression. Crafted from materials including stainless steel, brass, timber, leather, and refined painted finishes, they respond thoughtfully to the surrounding environment. Discreet LED integration can be employed to enhance spatial qualities, maintaining a careful balance between light and form. Considered in both detail and proportion, each handrail contributes with quiet clarity to the broader design narrative.

Balustrades

Complementing any stair design, our custom balustrades bring the designer’s vision to life with precision and flair. From steel plate and woven mesh to timber joinery, glass, stainless steel, and wrought iron, we craft balustrades that capture the aesthetic intent — right down to the smallest detail. Our designs are not only functional but also visually striking, seamlessly aligning with a range of commercial interiors, whether industrial, contemporary, or refined.

Glass

Glass is a versatile and widely used material in staircase design, valued for its ability to introduce lightness, transparency, and modernity. While most commonly integrated into balustrades, glass can also be used for treads and landings to achieve a striking, semi-translucent effect. Selecting the right type of glass and understanding its structural and aesthetic properties is essential to delivering both performance and visual impact.

Soffits

Soffits offer an opportunity to extend the architectural language of the stair beyond structure alone. Whether expressed through timber, metal, or custom finishes, they are designed with careful attention to materiality, proportion, and detailing. Each soffit is crafted to complement the surrounding palette, bringing cohesion and refinement to the overall composition.

Treads

Treads are designed with a balance of visual clarity, tactile experience, and safety in mind. Material selection — from solid timber and painted steel to glass, vinyl, rubber, or polished concrete — is guided by both the architectural intent and performance requirements of the space. Each tread is fabricated and finished with precision, ensuring it integrates seamlessly into the overall stair composition.

Stringers

Stringers play a critical structural and visual role in stair design. Their form is often guided by both engineering performance and architectural intent — whether exposed, concealed, cantilevered, or sculptural. At Asentis, each stringer is resolved through close collaboration between design and engineering teams, ensuring structural integrity while contributing to the spatial character of the stair.

Get in touch

To discuss how a stair could shape your next space, get in touch with the team at Asentis.

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