Launch Slideshow

The judges said the simple and elegant design of the new staircase is deceiving because it requires significant structural bracing.

Honorable Mention: Elegant Entryway

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Honorable Mention: Elegant Entryway

  • The judges said the simple and elegant design of the new staircase is deceiving because it requires significant structural bracing.

    http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmp29C0%2Etmp_tcm17-203165.jpg

    The judges said the simple and elegant design of the new staircase is deceiving because it requires significant structural bracing.

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    Claudio Santini Photographer

    The judges said the simple and elegant design of the new staircase is deceiving because it requires significant structural bracing.

  • the steel I-column on the lower landing carries the load of the upper structure. The glass rail continues down to the floor and frames the “sculptural form” of the stairs.

    http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmp29C4%2Etmp_tcm17-203193.jpg

    the steel I-column on the lower landing carries the load of the upper structure. The glass rail continues down to the floor and frames the “sculptural form” of the stairs.

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    Claudio Santini Photographer

    The steel I-column on the lower landing carries the load of the upper structure. The glass rail continues down to the floor and frames the “sculptural form” of the stairs.

  • Architect Mark English designed a double-height entry with a bridge. The flooring and treads are white oak.

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    Architect Mark English designed a double-height entry with a bridge. The flooring and treads are white oak.

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    Claudio Santini Photographer

    Architect Mark English designed a double-height entry with a bridge. The flooring and treads are white oak.

  • http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmp29D9%2Etmp_tcm17-203326.jpg

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    This is an original digital scan of the lower level before the installation of the stairs.

  • OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

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    OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

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    This is the scan of the lower level with a rendering of the location and look of the staircase design.

  • Before: A view of the existing staircase from the hallway.

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    Before: A view of the existing staircase from the hallway.

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    Mark English Architects

    Before: A view of the existing staircase from the hallway.

  • Before: A view of the existing stairs from the top.

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    Before: A view of the existing stairs from the top.

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    Mark English Architects

    Before: A view of the existing stairs from the top.

Location: Sausalito, Calif.
Contractor: Jaimie Stewart, Landmark Builders, Novato, Calif.
Designer: Mark English, AIA, Mark English Architects, San Francisco

Challenge: This house has a street-level entry, but the main living space is one floor below.

Solution: Architect Mark English solved the problem by designing a double-height foyer and creating a bridge that brings the feel of a living area to the entry. The bridge and stairs to the main level are separated by a glass and steel railing. Judges said: The “simple and elegant” design is deceiving because it requires significant structural bracing — the steel column on the lower landing carries the load of the upper structure. On the lower level, the glass rail continues down to the floor and frames the “sculptural form” of the stairs.

—Nina Patel, senior editor, REMODELING.