Suspended Staircase Floats Above Oslo Apartment

When the owners of a top-floor apartment in Olso, Norway purchased the loft above it, they wanted to unify the two floors. Known as Idunsgate, it was revamped by the London-based architecture firm Haptic, who spent part of their time updating areas like the bedroom and bathroom. They also added a stunning, brand new feature to the 19th-century building. A suspended staircase was installed as a subtle divide between the kitchen and living room.

The frame is made of white-coated steel and the steps of smooth, light wood. It's only connected to the second level of the apartment, and it gives the illusion that the structure is floating in mid-air. As you walk upstairs, the open risers allow you to see what's below. All of this contributes to the unobtrusive design and works well in an area with limited space. It's architecturally modern and adds an artistic element to the apartment without detracting from its decor.

Because Idunsgate's staircase doesn't touch the ground, it is completed by a wooden piece of furniture that complements the steps. It not only serves as the base of the stairs, but doubles as a chest of drawers and window seat. This dual function is an intelligent use of space and makes the stairs a surprisingly versatile structure.


Haptic website
via [Dezeen]

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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