Open Riser Mono Stringer Staircase with Oak Treads and Frameless Glass in Withdean, Brighton

We were approached by a client in Withdean, Brighton, to design and install a contemporary staircase as part of the complete renovation of their home.

The existing hallway presented a relatively narrow space, so the staircase needed to provide comfortable access between floors without making the entrance feel enclosed. It also needed to become a strong architectural feature that complemented the dark timber flooring, clean white walls and modern interior finishes.

The completed staircase features a fabricated steel mono stringer, open oak treads, frameless glass balustrades and integrated LED lighting. The two-flight arrangement turns through 180 degrees around an intermediate landing, allowing the staircase to fit naturally within the available hallway while creating an impressive feature through the centre of the property.

Open Riser Mono Stringer Staircase Design

A mono stringer staircase uses a single structural steel spine positioned beneath the centre of the treads. This removes the need for traditional stringers along either side of the staircase and gives the treads a much lighter, floating appearance.

For this project, the steel centre stringer was fabricated to support both flights and the intermediate landing. The dark powder-coated finish allows the steelwork to sit quietly beneath the treads while providing a clear contrast against the white walls.

The open riser arrangement was particularly effective within the narrow hallway. Light can pass between the treads and through the glass balustrade, preventing the staircase from becoming a heavy visual barrier.

The result is a modern open riser staircase that feels substantial underfoot while retaining a clean and open appearance.

Dark Oak Stair Treads

The oak treads were finished in a rich dark brown tone selected to coordinate with the timber flooring used throughout the property.

A semi-matt hardwax oil finish protects the timber while retaining the natural grain and character of the oak. The deeper colour gives the staircase a warm, established appearance and provides a strong contrast against the dark steel stringer.

Each tread has a deep box-style construction, giving the timber enough visual weight to balance the steelwork without making the staircase appear bulky.

The intermediate landing was finished in the same dark oak, creating a continuous transition between the two flights and tying the complete staircase together.

Integrated LED Stair Lighting

LED lighting was incorporated beneath the front edge of the stair treads and around the landing.

The concealed lighting produces an even wash of light across the tread below, clearly defining each step while also highlighting the open riser construction. When viewed from the entrance hallway, the illuminated treads draw attention through the staircase and emphasise the shape of the central steel stringer.

The lighting is fully integrated into the staircase rather than being fitted as an additional surface-mounted detail. This keeps the appearance neat during the day while creating a completely different atmosphere when the staircase is illuminated in the evening.