Stepping It Up: 15 Spectacularly Sculptural Modern Staircases

House vvdb by dmvA, Brussels

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In the process of refurbishing his own home, House vvdb, for his daughter, architect Jan van den Berghe created this incredible blood-red staircase. The entrance of the staircase on the ground floor is encased in transparent acrylic, and entrances to the second and third floors take a similarly artistic approach.

Staircase by Atmos Studio

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This digitally fabricated staircase by Atmos Studio is made of sheets of MDF and oak that were digitally cut and then slotted together for a flowing, sculptural result.

Net Staircase by Numen/For Use, Linz, Austria

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Design collective Numen/For Use argues that staircases are not nearly as much fun as a trampoline-like climbing net in this installation for the OK Center for Contemporary Art in Austria. The nets reach toward the full height of the room, creating a cavernous path in the center of the lowest floor.

Blavatnik School of Government by Herzog & de Meuron

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Within the stacked, circular School of Government Building at Oxford University, architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron created a wide circular staircase that spirals tighter and tighter as it reaches the top.

Wadi Penthouse by Plateau, Beirut

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Lebanese design studio Plateau refurbished a two-floor penthouse in Beirut with curvilinear walls made of veneer and a stunning floating staircase made of slatted white steel.