GSW Architects
This stairwell needed to be almost transparent and allow light into the living area as well as being a simple, sculptural structure. Specific materials were chosen to be seamless with the warm white oak floors and glass walls on both sides of the living areas. Photography by David Papazian.
Garret Cord Werner LLC
The staircase reads as a sculptural centerpiece, its floating treads and glass guardrails dissolving visual boundaries and inviting light to move effortlessly through the space. Conceived as a vertical continuation of the home’s inside-out ethos, it preserves uninterrupted sightlines while subtly linking the layered interiors to the surrounding landscape. A refined interplay of warm wood, metal and glass lends the composition a quiet elegance—both contemporary and deeply connected to nature. Photography by Benjamin Benschneider.
Ironwood Connection
This staircase features 4” thick, oversized box treads with a deep charcoal or blackened oak finish mounted to a steel mono stringer, creating a "floating" effect that emphasizes the structural purity of each step. These continuous slim profiles create a "cage" effect that provides safety without obstructing sightlines or the flow of natural light from the skylight above. Photography by Justin Palazzo.
Adaptive Building Solutions LLC
Following an integrated design approach with the architect and client, this custom floating stair system perfectly reflects the home's contemporary multigenerational design. Solid maple treads were engineered to lock into the main wall, while the spacing on the threaded rods was engineered meticulously to meet safety codes without sacrificing the open aesthetic. Photography by Michael Christie Photography.
Baluco Homes
In this particular home, the staircase is the first element you encounter upon entry, making it a central design feature. Baluco chose a floating stair system to preserve openness and allow natural light to flow freely throughout the space. Custom white oak treads and a matching handrail were introduced to soften the contrast of the black steel structure, creating a balanced and inviting aesthetic. Photography by Clarity Northwest.
Isolina Mallon Interiors
The staircase was custom-designed as a light, sculptural element that feels almost suspended within the space, with clean glass treads that minimize visual weight. The design was driven by a desire to create openness between levels, allowing light to flow freely while maintaining a strong architectural presence. It serves as both a functional connection and a quiet focal point that elevates the entire interior. Photography by Jean Bai.
