Forest Hill, south-east London, is a district defined by grand terraces, robust brickwork, and a long history of craftsmanship, and when Ashely Williams set out to transform their Forest Hill rooftop into a private terrace, the design evolved naturally from its surroundings. Planning permission had already been secured, but the property had no existing roof access, and the route to achieving this wasn’t straightforward.
There was only one viable location for a staircase that would grant access to the new terrace above, an exceptionally tight courtyard and no room for error – requiring a bespoke solution. Ashley wanted something that would enhance the architecture of their home and complement its Victorian and industrial roots. To achieve this in such a confined and awkward space, British Spirals & Castings were brought in to develop a bespoke solution:
“We did a lot of research to try and find a provider that could create a bespoke staircase that was light enough for our needs but still looked like a traditional iron structure. We found British Spirals & Castings through a google search, and they were one of very few providers that could deliver exactly what we needed – and with a sensible price point!” said Ashley.
Needing a product that was lightweight and traditionally styled, Ashley selected a Victorian-style cast aluminium spiral staircase. Given the relatively small size of the courtyard, aligning a spiral staircase with the terrace floor above initially appeared impossible without repositioning its base. Instead, a more inventive solution was developed. Two straight steps were added at the top of the staircase, allowing a perfect flow onto the terrace without compromising the space below. Using CAD software, the team developed detailed drawings that defined the staircase’s style, proportions, and dimensions, allowing for these adjustments to be made before manufacturing began.
Once the design was finalised, the components were cast, finished with a black powder coat, and assembled. Standing at 3.26 metres tall, the finished staircase featured 12 Victorian-style treads, each incorporating an ornamental infill panel and spindle that together would form the balustrade. The staircase was also designed to meet current UK building regulations while preserving authentic Victorian proportions and detailing.
For spiral staircases, aluminium offers clear advantages over cast iron, maintaining a classic appearance and structural integrity while significantly reducing weight and improving its resistance to corrosion. All cast aluminium staircases produced by British Spirals & Castings are sand-casted at the company’s Staffordshire-based non-ferrous foundry. This process blends time-honoured casting techniques with modern design tools, enabling traditional forms to be recreated with precision.
The staircase’s thoughtful, bespoke design ensured it fit precisely within the available space, while the material created a compelling dialogue between eras. Ashley explains, “Our home has a mixture of industrial and Victorian features, and we felt the style of the Victorian spiral staircase was very complementary to the overall feel and character of the building.” Dark metalwork and intricate detailing echo Victorian ironmongery and the area’s industrial roots, while the surrounding elements, like the green tiled walls and dark timber floors, reinterpret traditional London service spaces in a more contemporary, domestic context.
Despite the tight constraints and evolving design requirements, the completed staircase exceeded expectations. Ashley Williams commented:
“British Spirals & Castings provided a brilliant service. The staircase complements the overall feel and character of the building, creating a beautiful centrepiece in our home. The team was engaged and patient throughout multiple planning permission changes. I highly recommend British Spirals & Castings for anyone needing a spiral staircase, especially for more complex builds.”
This finished staircase sits confidently within a space that balances old and new. Steel-framed glazing opens the home onto the courtyard, framing the spiral like artwork in a gallery. As natural light moves through the space, the staircase’s ornate detailing casts shifting shadows across the tiled walls throughout the day. Above, the new terrace features sleek glass railings that contrast with the decorative metalwork below, reinforcing the home’s blend of Victorian and industrial design influences.
Ultimately, the project demonstrates what can be achieved when careful planning meets bespoke British craftsmanship. For homeowners facing complex layouts or tight footprints, it highlights how specialist design and manufacturing can turn constraints into opportunities and create spaces that feel both purposeful and beautifully resolved.