White Oak Floating Staircase with Frameless Glass Balustrades in Plumpton, East Sussex

We were approached by a client in Plumpton, East Sussex, who wanted a truly special staircase that would become the centrepiece of their home while allowing natural light to flow freely throughout the space. The brief was clear: create a staircase that felt elegant, open and architectural, without introducing heavy structural elements that would interrupt the clean lines of the interior.

The result is this bespoke floating staircase featuring solid white oak treads, frameless glass balustrades and a handcrafted shaped oak handrail.

Floating Cantilever Staircase Design

The staircase has been designed as a floating cantilever staircase, with each tread appearing to project effortlessly from the wall. By removing visible stringers and bulky support structures, the staircase creates a striking sense of weightlessness and openness.

This style of staircase is particularly effective in contemporary homes where maximising light and maintaining uninterrupted sightlines are key design objectives. The open tread arrangement allows daylight from the large glazing to travel throughout both floors, helping the space feel larger and brighter.

The floating staircase acts as both a practical circulation route and a sculptural architectural feature.

Bleached White Oak Treads

A key feature of this staircase is the beautiful white oak finish. The solid oak treads were carefully prepared and finished using Osmo White products, creating a subtly bleached appearance that enhances the natural character of the timber.

Rather than masking the grain, the finish highlights the texture and movement within the oak while producing a lighter, contemporary colour palette. The result is a soft, Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic that complements the minimalist interior perfectly.

The pale white oak tones work harmoniously with the white walls, polished floor finish and natural light, creating a calm and sophisticated environment.

Frameless Glass Balustrades

To preserve the floating appearance of the staircase, frameless glass balustrades were installed throughout the stair and landing areas.

Using structural glass allows the staircase to remain visually open while still providing the required safety and compliance. The transparency of the glass ensures that light can pass through the staircase unobstructed, reinforcing the client’s vision of an airy and spacious interior.

The frameless landing balustrade continues the same clean detailing at first floor level, creating a seamless transition between the staircase and surrounding architecture.

Bespoke Shaped Oak Handrail

One of the standout details of this project is the custom shaped oak handrail.

Rather than using a standard profile, the handrail was carefully crafted to follow the geometry of the staircase and landing, incorporating flowing curves and softened edges that feel comfortable in the hand while enhancing the overall design.

Finished to match the bleached white oak treads, the handrail provides warmth and craftsmanship against the minimal glass balustrade system, creating a balance between contemporary design and natural materials.

A Staircase Designed Around Light

The success of this project lies in its simplicity. Every design decision was made to maximise natural light and create a feeling of openness.

The combination of floating white oak treads, frameless glass balustrades and a bespoke oak handrail delivers a staircase that feels both understated and exceptional. From every angle, the staircase appears to float within the space, allowing the architecture and surrounding landscape views to remain the focal point.

For homeowners looking for a statement staircase that combines modern design, natural materials and exceptional craftsmanship, a floating cantilever staircase with glass balustrades remains one of the most striking solutions available.

Technical Specifications

• Bespoke floating cantilever staircase
• Solid white oak treads
• Osmo White finish with a bleached oak appearance
• Frameless structural glass balustrades
• Frameless glass landing balustrade
• Bespoke-shaped white oak handrail
• Contemporary minimalist design
• Installed in Plumpton, East Sussex
• Designed to maximise natural light and open-plan living