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October 31, 2011

Can Karina space saver stairs meet the steepness requirements of the Building Regulations?

Alternating tread space saving stairs of which the Karina is one have their own rules under part K of the Regulations for England and Wales. They are not allowed at all under Scottish Regs. These rules parts K1.22-24 do not specify a maximum pitch but they are quite restrictive on where and when you can use a space saver stair. Basically they are intended to serve a one bedroomed loft conversion, it can have an associated bathroom but the room itself cannot be a kitchen or a lounge. There are other restrictions but I would need more information on the specific project details in order to advise on the suitability of a space saver stair.

So in conclusion the steepness of a space saving stairs like the Karina are not an issue but lots of other things might be. Seek more advice from someone who knows, or contact your Local Authority Building Control for their opinion on your specific project.

October 25, 2011

A space saving stair to a flat over a shop, what are the problems

Though I do not know the full circumstances of this staircase it all sounds like a non starter as far as the law is concerned. Alternate tread space saving stairs are not suitable for use as the main access to a flat or any other type of dwelling. Space saving stairs like the Karina Gamia Mini etc. are really only permitted when serving a one bedroom loft conversion, and even then there are other restrictions that might apply.

The problem with using a space saver stair as access to a flat above a shop is really about how you escape in the event of a fire. Anyone renting that flat should at the very least be given a safe escape route in the event of a fire in the shop below. Ideally this should be an external fire escape direct from the flat to the ground outside, or if this is not possible a full internal staircase which is enclosed in a fire protected passageway that goes direct to the outside of the premises.

Space saver stairs are wonderful at giving access in places where space for a stair is at a premium, but I would never recommend their use as a main access to any property. I would advise the questioner to seek advice from their local Building Control Department who will be capable of advising them on the requirements for their specific project.

The Staircase Doctor

October 03, 2011

Can you put a loft spiral stair in a 1000mm square cupboard.

In theory yes, in practice it is probably a non starter. There are many reasons why not, not the least that it is too small an area. In practical terms spiral staircases of less than 1200mm in diameter are likely to provide too small a tread width to ascend in comfort, and be nearly impossible to ascend if you are some what portly. In Building Regulation terms you are unlikely to get a compliant spiral staircase of less than 1400mm or 1500mm in diameter.

Small cupboards are also likely to cause problems with access to spiral stairs, this is because there is a possibility that the bottom tread will end up pointing at one of the walls and not your required access point. Spiral staircases have fixed rotation characteristics which means that you can only choose the position of either the bottom or top tread, the position of the other will be where the fixed degree of rotation makes it fall. So small cupboards with walls on at least three sides are not the ideal.

In 1000mm square cupboard you could squeeze in 1000mm diameter spiral but it would touch the walls where it passes them and would not be ideal. Ideally the maximum size spiral stair that you could use is 950mm in diameter, that would be more like a fireman's pole than a spiral stair. Not to mention that there are no modular kit spiral stairs on the market that are available in so small a diameter. This in turn means you would have to go to the more expensive option of having a bespoke spiral stair made for you.

So the conclusion is forget the idea and consider using an alternative tread space saver stair kit. However even these will not fit entirely within the confines of your 1000mm square cupboard, but if you can adapt the walls a little it is your best chance.

The Staircase Doctor.