Haldane UK has played a key role in the delivery of one of the complex and challenging staircase cladding projects in the UK.
The company was appointed manufacture and install all bespoke timber components for the stunning double helix staircase at the Piccadilly flagship store of Fortnum & Mason.
The staircase comprises two intertwined helical flights, rising in parallel while remaining visually and spatially connected throughout. The geometry is uncompromising. Each tread, riser and handrail section is unique, with constantly changing pitch, radius and rotation.
The project demanded exceptional coordination and collaboration with Littlehampton Welding, whose engineering expertise was fundamental to delivering the complex architectural and structural steelwork that underpins the staircase.
Haldane UK carried out the full manufacture and installation of all solid oak treads and risers, landings, winder treads, volute newel posts, and bespoke timber handrails. All components were individually manufactured for this project, with no repeatable elements.
Given the prominence of the staircase within one of the world’s most prestigious retail environments, quality expectations were absolute. Materials, detailing and finish had to reflect the luxury, refinement and heritage synonymous with the Fortnum & Mason brand.
The bespoke handrails represented one of the most technically demanding aspects of the project. Each rail required continuous curvature in both plan and elevation, with smooth transitions through varying radii and pitch.
Profiles were precision machined to maintain consistency while accommodating subtle geometric variation, ensuring uninterrupted visual flow across multiple store levels. Volute newel posts were developed as sculptural anchors, demanding complex machining and exact alignment with the supporting steelwork.
Manufacture was carried out using Haldane UK’s market leading 5 axis CNC timber machining capability, allowing long, curved components to be produced with exceptional accuracy. Components were dry-jointed and quality inspected prior to delivery, reducing site risk and ensuring dimensional integrity.
Installation took place within a live retail environment, requiring meticulous sequencing, progressive setting-out and continuous verification. The double helix form prevented reliance on conventional datums, demanding disciplined installation techniques and constant coordination between timber and steel trades to ensure the geometry remained true as the staircase rose through the space.
This project stands as a clear demonstration of what staircase cladding can achieve when specialist joinery and structural metalwork are developed in true partnership.
It showcases Haldane UK’s capability to deliver architecturally ambitious, technically demanding joinery, and the importance of close collaboration with engineering partners to realise designs of this complexity at the highest level.
Images Courtesy and Copyright Fortnum and Mason
Haldane UK was proud to bring its market-leading expertise in 5-axis CNC timber machining to this breathtaking two-storey helical freestanding staircase, a standout feature in a prestigious listed home in Edinburgh.
Designed by TAP Architects, the home is a stunning example of how modern engineering and materials can be seamlessly integrated within a historic interior—creating a staircase that feels as though it has always belonged. Manufactured, supplied, and installed by Icon Fabrications, the precision-engineered metal balustrade required a handrail of equal quality and craftsmanship.
Crafted from American Black Walnut, the bespoke slimline handrail was meticulously machined using Haldane’s industry-leading 5-axis CNC technology. This ensured absolute accuracy as it sweeps elegantly through the staircase’s flowing curves, sitting flawlessly on a metal core rail. To complete the design, the handrail features stunning volutes, providing the perfect finishing touch to the double bullnose tread on this showpiece staircase.
A stunning fusion of heritage and innovation, where traditional elegance meets cutting-edge craftsmanship.
Architects @tap_archtects
Photographs by @zac.and.zac
Stair by @icon_fabrications
Interior design by @brycemckenziedesign
Main contractor @platform.interior.solutions
Haldane UK has added its unique finishing touch to the transformation of a luxury residential property, which was led by the multi-award-winning, London and Prague-based Interior Architecture and Interior Design studio misch_MISCH.
One of the highlights of the stunning three-storey mews in Battersea is the feature helical staircase. Haldane UK was responsible for bringing the creative process to life by manufacturing and installing a continuous 70 x 40 elliptical handrail in Sapele, which was to be French polished to achieve a piano black finish in keeping with the interior design.
The handrail incorporated over 9 linear metres of bespoke continuous handrail, which required millimetre accuracy to sit perfectly on the slender black metal spindles.
The staircase also features sections of flat, curved handrail and straight handrail, as well as 180 degree wreathed bends to achieve the flawless continuous finish.
Contact us now to find out more information or to discuss your luxury timber handrails project.
All images Courtesy of misch_MISCH studio.
Haldane UK has manufactured a stunning helical staircase featuring solid timber treads, decorative metal balustrades and a bespoke timber handrail for the refurbishment of a luxury Victorian home in Edinburgh.
Manufactured from American White Oak, the staircase combines contemporary and traditional styling with the light timber, granite grey balustrades and curved open stringer with a large bull nose tread.
The bespoke 58mm x 56mm profile handrail spirals effortlessly up to the gallery area via a 90 degree raking to horizontal wreath and finishes perfectly with a volute.
The client was delighted with both the quality and service commenting “It’s been a pleasure working with you and your colleagues, and the staircase you have built for us is spectacular – truly wonderful!”
Haldane also demonstrated their timber machining expertise by manufacturing and supplying a curved internal door to fit the curved wall below the staircase.
The curved door measured 1980mm high and 800 wide designed to follow the curved shape of the wall.
The flush door was manufacture from laminated paint grade timber and supplied primed, ready for finishing.
Click here for more information on Haldane UK’s bespoke handrails for staircases or contact us now for more information.
Haldane UK has played a key part in the delivering this stunning feature helical stair by manufacturing and installing these American Black Walnut handrails to sit atop curved glass balustrades.
The project was carried out in conjunction with Clifford Chapman who were the specialist staircase contractor and completed the structural steelwork and glass balustrading.
The continuous handrail spirals up to the main atrium area which itself is a stunning feature of the double height entrance area of the luxury home in England.
Haldane carried out a full digital survey of the balustrade before manufacturing the 80mm x 50mm elliptical handrail together with the timber capping.
Haldane UK’s Managing Director, Forrester Adam, explained “Our digital survey technology allows us to pick up any minor flaws or issues caused by on site conditions and manufacture them out off-site to minimise installation times and costs.”
Click here to find out more about our handrails and staircases or contact us now to discuss your project.
Timber Glass Balustrade Project | Timber and Glass Balustrade | Wood and Glass Balustrade
Haldane UK is delighted to see one of its helical staircases featured in a multi-award winning home, after the properties outstanding design and finish was recognised by the Herald Property Awards, Scottish Home Awards and UK Property Awards.
The property is part of the exclusive Avenel development in Kilmacolm on the west coast of Scotland where Haldane has been responsible for all of the feature staircases in the luxurious properties.
The stunning helical staircase features bespoke timber cladding, as well as sweeping sapele handrails complete with painted oak spindles and open cut sapele treads.
The home was also recently featured in the Herald’s Stylish Living supplement.
Awards:
• The Herald Property Awards for Scotland 2011 – Best Luxury Family Home
• Scottish Home Awards 2011 – Finalist, Luxury House of the Year
• UK Property Awards – Highly Commended, Best Architecture
Haldane UK has manufactured the helical handrails for this stunning helical staircase project in South Oxfordshire in conjunction with architectural joinery firm Gary Curnick Joinery which has been shortlisted in the Sustain magazine awards.
Haldane worked closely with Gary Curnick Joinery throughout the project, manufacturing the bespoke timber balustrade and the sweeping continuous handrail, all supplied in European Oak with a lime finish.
Haldane has added its distinctive touch of style and quality with the manufacture and installation of these stunning profiled curved timber handrails which adorn the three storeys in this luxurious London property.
Haldane UK worked closely throughout the project with the main developer, DOMVS, who have firmly established themselves as one of the UK’s leading specialist developers of prestigious luxury homes thanks to their commitment to creating beautiful homes with elegant interiors and facade.
Haldane specialist handrail team designed and created a bespoke handrail profile that reflected the grandeur of the property and manufactured the raking curve using their advanced 5 axis CNC technology.
Forrester Adam, Managing Director of Haldane UK, explained “Manufacturing a raked curved handrail is extremely difficult for most joinery firms and unless they have a 5 axis CNC machine, they would need to hand carve them.”
He continued, “But when you are faced with creating a raking curve with a profiled handrail you can really only achieve this with 5 axis technology or run the risk of the profile being compromised at certain areas.”
For more information on the full range of services visit www.haldaneuk.com or call 01592 775656 to discuss your requirements.
Curved Timber Handrail London | Curved Handrails London
Haldane UK has manufactured and installed bespoke elliptical timber handrails measuring 70mm x 40mm which required two different profiles for a helical staircase in a luxury home.
Working closely with the owner of the property, who owns a major construction company, Haldane manufactured the handrail in American Black Walnut to complement the decorative metal balustrade.
All of Haldane UK’s 30 years’ experience in manufacturing and installing complex timber handrail projects was called upon to ensure the continuous handrail flowed seamlessly up the staircase.
The bespoke metalwork used a combination of box bar and diameter bar sections to achieve the design which meant a subtle change to the profile of the handrail as it rose through the staircase varying from an elliptical to more of an oval.
The project features 4 metres of spiral handrail plus an additional 4 metres of horizontal curve along the atrium area together with associated flat bends and transitions.
One of the key features of the staircase is the wreathed full drop ends to the ground floor and first floors to create a fantastic finish.
And to ensure the perfect finish, the client appointed Haldane UK’s expert installation team which delivered the project in a matter of days.
Click here for more information or contact our technical team now on 01592 775656.
Elliptical Timber Handrails | Oval Timber Handrails | Elliptical Wooden Handrails
Haldane (UK) Ltd.
Blackwood Way
Bankhead Industrial Estate Glenrothes
Fife KY7 6JF
Tel: 01592 775656 Fax: 01592 775757
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33-35 Daws Lane,
London
NW7 4SD
Tel: 020 8906 6770
