When creating a home’s interior, most modern styles tend to hide the timber that frames and reinforces the structure. This is done to create a more finished and uniform appearance and for practical purposes, such as better insulation incorporation and to hide things most homeowners don’t want to see, like pipes, wiring, and components like domestic timber bolts including galvanized, A307 grade A, and stainless steel.
When a designer can really reveal the natural beauty of timber, however, it shows that the last thing you’d want to do is cover it up. The inherent richness of this material has gained renewed appreciation from consumers who are looking for more reclaimed and up-cycled decor elements. Such appeal is enhanced when timber is carefully arranged in an aesthetic that compliments its surroundings and also becomes a feature in and of itself.
An example of this is shown in a unique sculptural staircase created by Waind Gohli and Potter Architects. The three-level staircase features a complex series of engineered timber pieces that are finished with knotted larch. The components were assembled through carefully planned cutting and slotting, ensuring each piece fits together like a jigsaw puzzle. The staircase takes full advantage of the skylight positioned above it. Large and uniform gaps allow for natural light to pass through, creating a light and airy feel that benefits the compact space in which it has been installed.
The wooden core of the staircase and the pre-fabricated construction provides structural integrity and yet doesn’t take away from the spacious effects of the design. The individual pieces were cut to the schematic at a fabrication facility. CNC cutting and CAD capabilities helped to ensure the end result precisely reflected the original design and fit the space so seamlessly. The process of installing the staircase was defined by a careful number system engraved on to each piece of wood so that every element was slotted together in a specific order.
The end result is an organic focal point in a modern, minimalist interior. The staircase is one of the most eye-catching parts of a home that features white interior walls and pale grey flooring. The clean, defined lines correspond with the simplified design of the home, while the natural grain and tone of the wood adds warmth and interest. It’s an innovative way to turn what could be an ordinary structural element into a highly stylized decor feature—and all through an embrace of what natural, exposed timber can offer.
