EeStairs has created a dramatic helical pine ply staircase, made entirely from timber, for the renovation of a Dutch barn. Challenging geometry, alongside material use and technical innovation, all form part of the EeStairs process. The staircase is the first of its kind to be engineered and fabricated by EeStairs.
The architect, Flip Wentink Architects, and interior designer, Julia van Beuningen, worked alongside the client and EeStairs to convey the strength of the original structure. The brief was to use natural building materials working with lime plaster and flax in the wall build-up. Eschwing unnecessary fixtures or fittings on the interior walls respects the structure and brings a feeling of stillness. The addition of a new first floor meant that bathrooms and bedrooms could be discreetly installed, with the helical staircase designed to bring 21st century craftsmanship into the space.
The Ahof Barn dates back to 1885, and is a classic design with a deep thatched roof, partial dark wood cladding and red brickwork. Magnificent large arched glazed doorways with traditional stable-door shutters frame each end of the building allowing light to pour in. The barn is part of an old farm complex and lands that were bought around 30 years ago by the present client with a view to creating a renewed environment for the land and its ancient buildings. The land has been rewilded and has reinstated its ancient wetlands that include Alder swamp groves. The Barn is the second completed project of five buildings.
The stair’s raw plywood evokes industrial use, while also providing humility and warmth that suit the barn, its history and future. Curved or helical stairs are often clad in luxurious finishes such as marble or noble woods like oak. This ply version reinforces the ethos of purity and simplicity that is central to the project.
EeStairs was founded by Cornelis van Vlastuin and Dick Cluistra in 2000. The company acronym EE stands for Exponent of Excellence, with the entire manufacturing process, from concept design to production subject to demanding excellence. EeStairs meet the highest international quality and safety standards. More than 60 people work at the EeStairs head office in Barneveld. In addition, there are ten studios and offices in Europe (UK, France, Belgium etc), and 35 subsidiaries in the United States. EeStairs has an international reputation for manufacturing outstanding feature staircases. It works with some of the world’s best-known architects, interior designers and contractors, who frequently require stairs with challenging forms and materials, which they produce and install with absolute precision.
EeStairs is proud of its stair-making skills. But there is another equally important aspect to the way it works: its commitment to low-impact environmental efficiency. This has led to its headquarters and production facility at Barneveld becoming the first industrial unit in the Netherlands to be awarded BREEAM Outstanding certification for sustainability.
Location: The Netherlands
Type of project: Residential
Client: Landgoed Appel
Staircase engineering/fabrication: EeStairs
Contract duration: 1.5 years
Gross internal floor area: 162m² floorspace, 791m³ total content
