A Bespoke Architectural Feature
At the Project Pembroke in Hyde Park Corner, our specialist joinery and fit-out teams delivered a fully bespoke helical staircase designed to be both functional and sculptural. Far from a standard stair, the spiral form demanded a completely different approach – one where precision, sequencing, and finish were critical from the very first stages. As Joinery Supervisor Jayesh Patel notes, this was “a total different ball game for a staircase.”
Mastering Geometry, Materials, and Planning
The defining challenge lay in the geometry. With the spiral design, “the angle, the radius, the curve all had to be in the right position.” Bending wood into a continuous helical form is far from straightforward; it requires careful treatment, controlled processes, and a deep understanding of how timber behaves under pressure. “It’s all about bending the sheets to form that shape,” Jayesh explains, but achieving this demands patience, precision, and extensive preparation to avoid stress, cracking, or distortion. Even the adhesive became part of the engineering solution; “we had to use a glue that was flexible,” allowing the structure to hold its form while accommodating subtle movement within the material.
Alongside the technical challenges, the project required intensive planning and coordination on site throughout the process. Continuous feedback loops were established between the site team and the joinery workshop at Vascroft, ensuring that design intent, tolerances, and evolving site conditions were clearly understood and addressed. This same level of planning was carried through to the installation stage, where sequencing, access, and protection were critical. At every phase, the site and design requirements, alongside clear communication with the client, had to be carefully managed and stayed on top of to ensure alignment and confidence as the staircase took shape.
Craftsmanship with Lasting Impact
Balancing complex construction with a flawless premium finish and a demanding programme called for meticulous coordination between workshop and site teams. The completed staircase is both an engineering achievement and a refined design statement, elevating the interior with quiet luxury. Projects like this reflect our heritage in craftsmanship, where traditional joinery skills and modern engineering come together to deliver enduring quality and lasting impact.
