open stairs

asdfg87

We want to do up a small house and make all the ground floor pretty well all one large living space, we will need to install stairs in the living area.

Does anyone have an idea as to make this look good.

sydthebeat

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058250581/open-stairs

consider fire regulations in that arrangement

https://assets.gov.ie/100071/0f55fb77-96a3-4dd5-8b93-7648880296e9.pdf

refer to section 1.5.2

asdfg87

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119214091#Comment_119214091

Its surprising we have had so much trouble with building in recent years with all the regulation, who enforces these.

sydthebeat

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119214117#Comment_119214117

who enforces your need to have a dog licence, or a TV licence? its required by law.

are you suggesting you shouldn't have to comply with regulations designed to save lives?

asdfg87

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119214126#Comment_119214126

i am suggesting if there are regs they should work, any ideas on the stairs.

sydthebeat

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119214133#Comment_119214133

are you suggesting the regs dont work?

the "trouble" we have had in recent years in regards to regulations is because people DIDNT comply with them. the regulations weren't the issue, the non compliance was.

asdfg87

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119214137#Comment_119214137

The trouble is the people who make the regs do not monitor same, they clearly have not worked in a few Priory hall, schools come tho me straight away.

I am still interested in stairs, any ideas.

muffler

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119214137#Comment_119214137

Bullseye!

asdfg87

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119214175#Comment_119214175

No enforcement, planners plan but inspection on project left to developers engineer to sign off. Thats the problem.

Penn

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119214167#Comment_119214167

You're right in a sense. In the likes of the UK and other countries, there are Building Control Inspectors or similar who work for the Local Authorities and will carry out inspections for compliance with various regulations.

Regardless though, the ultimate responsibility for compliance lies with the designers (to design in accordance with the regulations), the installers (to install in accordance with the regulations), and the certifiers (to certify that the work was carried out in accordance with the regulations). People doing those jobs wrong leads to breaches of the regulations. The regulations or lack of independent inspectors doesn't negate those professionals' responsibilities.

Regarding your stairs, if you want open risers, you need to ensure there is no gap between stair threads larger than 100mm. You could install a small upstand at the back of each step which would make the risers semi-open but reduce the gap to less than 100mm, or fit a bar across the middle of the open risers, or rather than open risers use a suitable translucent material as the riser which will allow light through but still be of sufficient strength to act as a stair riser.

Either way, compliance with the regulations is a requirement.

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/6b632-technical-guidance-document-k-stairways-ladders-ramps-and-guards/

Sections 1.1.7 & 1.1.8

Dudda

What's the budget? You could have an amazing cantilevered steel frame stairs with floating glass, delicate oak trim detailing and shadow gaps with incorporated lighting but you'd have to sell a kidney.

Big difference in the stairs you'll get for €2,500 and €15,000.

sydthebeat

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119214224#Comment_119214224

Regardless though, the ultimate responsibility for compliance lies with the designers (to design in accordance with the regulations), the installers (to install in accordance with the regulations), and the certifiers 

ultimately, within the law, the responsibility for complies lies with the client / owner

3.2 Building Owner’s Role

The Building Owner is ultimately responsible for ensuring that buildings or works are carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Building Regulations. 

https://nbco.localgov.ie/sites/default/files/2016-10-21_code_of_practice_for_inspecting_and_certifying_buildings_and_works_final_version-2016.pdf

Penn

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119214254#Comment_119214254

Yes, fair point of course.

asdfg87

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119214240#Comment_119214240

I think a person can function with one kidney but not my intention..

Just a thought and i thought i would ask the expert panel here, i have thought of the metal string and individual treads but really dont know.

I do want to do it properly as nececessary, if i cannot plan B.

sydthebeat

ive seen everything from a standard straight deal stairs to a DIY lego kit clip together stairs. from mahogany timber work to brushed steel.

the form of the stairs depends on the location its being installed into... will it be straight / dog leg / half turn / spiral / curved? open thread or not?

the starting point however is always compliance with regs, once thats sorted then y9ou can look at the form and finishes.

monseiur

Would a spiral stairs work, they look the business and take up less space than a standard one - the downside is that's it's a pain trying to get furniture up to first floor

asdfg87

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119214361#Comment_119214361

Straight up against a wall.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119214364#Comment_119214364

I actually like spiral stairs myself, an architect esplained to me once when the overall space is considered they take up more space. Anyway not a good option in this instance.

Gumbo

Technical Guidance Document Part K will help guide you towards compliance with the technical needs with regards to the stairs.

TGD Part B will guide you towards Fire Safety compliance with having an open plan arrangement in your home where a fire downstairs during the night, while you and your family are fast asleep can very quickly cover the entire ground floor and up that open stairs stopping your escape.

Do it once, do it right.

asdfg87

I

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119218071#Comment_119218071

What do you ugest is the right way?

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119218373#Comment_119218373

https://assets.gov.ie/100107/46250a2d-e09c-480a-8290-eb0b8bddcdcd.pdf

Section 1.3.2.1

Diagram 1 explains how it can be achieved

asdfg87

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119218703#Comment_119218703

Thanks for that i appreciate your ideas, i am thinking pretty much the same only that using example 1. I wanted to put the cooker on the back wall opposite wall close to corner as there will be door at botton of stairs straight out, also keep away from likely wood stairway, there is also a window on that wall so sink would be there. The idea being i have big open space at front, for the purpose of this excercise the top of diagram is front.

What's the shield on stairs.

Thanks again.

Gumbo

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119218868#Comment_119218868

Construction build up to reach ceiling level. Stud wall with plasterboard of some sort. It need not be fire resistant.

asdfg87

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119219492#Comment_119219492

Thats whats there and i want to change it.