When the proprietors of a top-floor apartment in Olso, Norway bought the loft above it, they needed to unify the two floors. Well-known as Idunsgate, it was refurbished by the London-based architecture firm Haptic, who consumed part of their time updating areas like the bedroom and bathroom. They also added a spectacular, brand new feature to the 19th century building. The suspended staircase was actually built as a subtle divide between the kitchen and living room. The lovely frame is made of white-coated steel and the steps of smooth, light wood. And it is interlinked to the 2nd level of the apartment, and it gives the illusion that the structure is floating in mid-air. When you walk upstairs, the open risers let you to observe what’s below. Although the entire contribution to the unobtrusive design and works well in the limited space. It’s architecturally modern and enhances an artistic element to the apartment without detracting from its decor. Since Idunsgate’s staircase doesn’t touch the ground, and it is beautifully finished by a wooden piece of furniture that complements the steps. It not only serves as the base of the stairs, but doubles as a chest of drawers and window seat. This dual purpose is an intelligent usage of space and makes the stairs an astonishingly versatile structure.
