This floating limestone staircase was designed, manufactured and installed by Carvero for a private residence on the Isle of Man. Set within a timber-framed country house, the staircase combines traditional architectural detailing with a carefully resolved structural approach.

The house itself presented an interesting challenge. Because it is built with a timber frame, we could not rely on the same construction principles that would normally be used for a solid masonry or concrete structure. The staircase had to be designed with the potential movement of the timber building in mind, allowing certain areas to respond safely to the structure around it.

For this reason, additional stone columns were introduced beneath the curved part of the staircase. Rather than treating them simply as supports, they became part of the architecture of the stair. Their classical form works beautifully with the limestone treads, the curved soffit, the timber frame and the large stone fireplace nearby.

The result is a floating limestone staircase with a distinctive character. The lower flight sweeps gracefully into the room, while the carved tread details, black iron balusters and warm timber handrail give the staircase a traditional, highly crafted feel. From below, the curved stone soffit and supporting columns create an especially interesting architectural composition.

This project is a good example of how a bespoke stone staircase sometimes has to respond carefully to the building around it. The technical solution is not hidden completely; instead, it becomes part of the design. The columns, curved soffit and hand-carved limestone details all contribute to a staircase that feels structural, elegant and deeply connected to the character of the house.

As stone staircase specialists, Carvero designs, manufactures and installs bespoke limestone staircases, cantilevered stone staircases and floating stone staircases for private homes, country houses and architectural interiors across the UK and the Isle of Man.