Helical stairs: Engineering and sculpture

In the design of a luxury villa, every structural element is an opportunity to create beauty. In contemporary architecture on the Costa Blanca, the staircase is no longer hidden but has regained its role as the protagonist, becoming the central sculptural element of the house.  

At Bersife, we know that executing a staircase with perfect curves is a challenge that combines technique, craftsmanship, and millimetric precision in every step. To achieve this visual impact in projects like Ca l'Àmfora or Canyamel, we work with two top-level construction methods. Below, we analyze both options:  

1. Cast-in-place concrete or traditional spiral method?

The choice of system is not only an aesthetic matter but a purely technical one. It depends on construction deadlines, structural loads, and the desired design, always under close collaboration between our construction team and the Project Management to guarantee maximum precision.  

A) Helical concrete staircase

‍This is the ultimate structural system for contemporary design villas. Creating the perfect curve in reinforced concrete is a laborious process that requires four critical phases: a custom wooden formwork (which acts as the exact mold), concreting, stepping, and finally, stripping.

• The result: This process takes almost a month of work, but in return, it offers absolute structural solidity and unmatched acoustic inertia. Being a continuous and heavy piece, it generates no noise, creaks, or vibrations when stepped on. In addition, its rigid surface is the perfect base for applying continuous coatings without the slightest risk of cracking over the years.

B) Traditional spiral staircase

‍This is where the true magic of construction craftsmanship comes in, moving away from industrial processes. Instead of using concrete and complex molds, the traditional method is recovered by raising the structure in the air using the Catalan vault or spiral technique (using flat bricks).  

• The result: The difference in time is staggering. While concrete requires almost a month of work (between preparation and setting), the hands of a true artist or master builder can execute a spiral staircase in just 15 hours of continuous work. It is a surprisingly fast solution, exceptionally resistant due to its own vaulted geometry, and much lighter for the house's structure. An option that pays homage to traditional Mediterranean construction without sacrificing luxury.

2. Premium finishes: From microcement to natural stone

Regardless of the chosen method, the ultimate goal is for every detail to be exactly as projected to become a sculpture.  

Once the base structure is finished, the staircase is prepared to receive luxury finishes. In avant-garde interiors, lime stucco coatings or continuous microcement elevate the design to its maximum expression, as we have seen in Ca l'Àmfora's picture. For environments that seek to dialogue with nature, as we did in the exterior stairs of the Canyamel project, terracotta or natural stone steps provide that rustic and warm texture so sought after on our coast.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does it take to build a custom helical staircase?

‍The time varies depending on the method. A reinforced concrete staircase requires complex formwork that takes almost a month of work. However, if we choose the traditional spiral brick staircase method, our artisans can raise the structure in just 15 hours.  

2. What are the advantages of the traditional spiral method compared to concrete?

‍The spiral method stands out for its incredible speed (15 hours versus 1 month), avoiding the installation of complex wooden formwork. It is an artisanal technique of great architectural value. Concrete, on the other hand, offers a monolithic block ideal for avoiding any vibration.  

3. Are helical stairs safe and comfortable for daily use?

‍Completely. At Bersife we guarantee that the calculation of the tread and riser in every step complies with safety and ergonomic regulations. The result is an architectural sculpture that is very comfortable to use.