Various Plans For Stairs and Stair Parts Use

Stair Parts Fig 37

A series of sketches for plans is shown at Stair Parts Fig. 37. A shows a stair with five landings, the first step being situated in the center. B ex­hibits a similar stair with three land­ings. C shows a stair with three landings and two starting flights leading to a wider flight above. D shows a flight with two landings and having but one starting point. This is a common kind of stair and much in vogue, but lacks architect­ural effect; either of the plans shown at A, B, C, is preferable from an artistic point of view than the plan shown at D.

Another series of plans is shown at Stair Parts Fig. 38, which show the relation of the stair to other portions of the house. No. 1 shows an ordinary flight with landing at the top. No. 2 shows a flight having two land­ings. This is an artistic flight and is always effective. No. 3 is some­ thing like No. 2, only reversed, and is lighted by a window on the top landing. This also, makes a very effective stair for a middle class dwelling, and always looks well if finished in hardwood.

Another series of plans is shown at Stair Parts Fig. 39, with parts of the plans of the buildings along with them. No. 1 shows a stair with two landings and a "step-off," on the second landing at 0, leading to rooms over the kitchen which are used for the domestics. No. 2 shows a very different arrangement, the stairs being built in an inner hall which leads into a conservatory. The plan shown at Stair Parts No. 3 is very much in vogue at the present time, and is really a very good style of stair.

A very good "'layout" for a hall and stairway is shown at Stair Parts Fig. 40. Entrance to dining-room, drawing-room and library is gained direct from the hall, and the hall is entered from the street by way of vestibule as shown. Access also to kitchen and outer offices, is also obtained from the hall. The stairs are well arranged with wide platform and is well lighted by two windows over the, platform; the windows being filled with suita­ble art glass. This particular arrangement of hall, stairs and stair parts rooms is worthy of being thought over by those of my readers who may have anything to do with designing floor plans.

Stair Parts Fig 38

I think I have now given a sufficient number of plans to enable the workman to "lay-off" a stairway; that will "fit" in almost any situation, or at least to suggest to

Stair Parts Fig 39

him how the difficulty may be worked out, so I will now leave this subject, feeling that I have done it full justice.

Stair Parts Newels, Newel Posts, Balusters and Ornamental Balusters

The different styles of newels and newel posts are without number, and I will not make any attempt to describe or illustrate more than will give the workman an. Idea of those most common in use at the present time, and a few elaborate ones now in existence that were designed and setup by old workmen.

Stair Parts Fig 40

The sketch shown at Stair Parts Fig. 41

is a design for a large hall and stairway, and is in Mercer's Hall, London; the stair is supported on columns, and shows three landings with Stair Parts carved balusters and newels. It will be noticed the long flight is last, leading up to the floor. This seems to be a rule with English stairways, as it is argued that there is a longer rest at the top, therefore the long rest comes after the long rise.

Stair Parts Fig. 42

Another and still more elaborate staircase is shown at Stair Parts Fig. 42. This is a stately and palatial class of stairs and consists of central flights branching off into lateral stair parts flights, surrounded by a gallery separated by columns or arches: This shows the main stairway and hall of the opera house, Paris, France.

The two lateral Stair Parts flights lead to a spacious landing, from which a wide curvilinear-shaped flight of stairs ascends with wing stairs to the gallery. The elegant and graceful lines of this staircase make it almost unique among great modern examples. The architect has introduced the ramping arch below the flights, and by curving the balustrades outward has given ease of ascent and grace of outline. Round the gallery rise coupled columns of red polished granite with Ionic capitals carrying entablatures and arches, above which runs a rich truss cornice.- Over the cornice on each side are rows of lunettes, surmounted by the fine vaulted quadrangular domical ceiling. Much of the grandeur of this staircase is due to the surrounding gallery, which impresses the visitor on ascending. The mag­nificence of the escalier d'lionneur is heightened by the arrangement of the minor stair and the open loggia and vestibule. As a model of planning the Paris Opera House stands pre-eminent. It forms a long rectangle, flanked by projecting annexes, which give much variety to its length. There are three parts or divisions sym­metrically disposed to the major and minor axes: the stage occupying the whole breadth of the building; the theater proper, or auditorium, forming the center of the building, and including the grand staircase; and, lastly, the promenade and open loggia in front. The staircase hall forms a square and complete structure between the foyer or promenade and auditorium, and is surrounded by corridors. The plan of this building is an instance of the centralizing mind of the French; every organic function is expressed in the structure. In a large public building the staircase performs an essentially distinct and public function, and too much prominence cannot be bestowed upon it.

The newels and panel-carved balustrade shown at Stair Parts Fig. 43 exhibits an extremely rich example of sixteenth century work. All this is taken from work still standing in the Old Palace  at Greenwich, England.

Stair Parts Fig. 43

The interior of the house was very nearly in its original state. There is a very curious internal court. The rooms have several good door-cases and ornamental plaster ceilings.