Heckfield Staircase
A sweeping exterior cantilevered oval staircase in York stone at Heckfield Place, sculptural and assured, leading guests to an underground cinema.
Project Details
At an exclusive hotel near Reading in Berkshire, a sweeping exterior cantilevered stone staircase forms a memorable approach to an underground cinema.
Working with Spratleys Architects and main contractor Operis Construction, AFJONES designed, crafted and installed an oval stair in York stone that feels both sculptural and assured.
Exterior Cantilevered Stair · York Stone
An Oval Descent
to the Cinema
The staircase announces itself as a significant architectural moment in the landscape, leading guests down from the grounds to a cinema below. Its oval plan and progressive fall create a gentle, choreographed descent, with the stonework acting as both structure and a calm visual guide.
Crossland Hill York stone was selected for its strength, weathering performance and character, chosen to stand up to external conditions while ageing gracefully over time.
Material and Bronze
Stone and Bronze
in Balance
The cantilevered treads are highly specific, rebated and interconnecting, allowing each step to work with the wall and with its neighbours to carry loads safely while maintaining an elegant, slender profile.
Bronze nosings set into each step add a precise line of contrast and durability at the tread edge, catching light and marking each transition underfoot.
The stairwell walls are formed from a variety of quarry stones, creating a controlled mix of colour, size and texture that sets off the smooth stone of the steps and emphasises their refinement.
Textured Stairwell
Detail That Invites
Closer Inspection
AFJONES ensured the sourcing, fabrication and installation met the demands of an external setting without compromising the elegance of the finished staircase.
AFJONES ensured the sourcing, fabrication and installation met the demands of an external setting without compromising the elegance of the finished staircase.
Gallery
Heckfield Cantilevered Staircase
Site Logistics
Engineering and
Installation
AFJONES engaged early in the design process to establish clear parameters for cantilevered geometry, load distribution and material specification. Precise fabrication ensured every tread interlock performed as designed.
The installation at Heckfield Place demonstrates AFJONES ability to deliver complex structural stonework in sensitive landscape settings, coordinating with architects and main contractor to achieve a result of lasting quality.
An oval descent in York stone — sculptural, structural and completely at home in the Heckfield landscape.
Working with Spratleys Architects and Operis Construction, AFJONES delivered a staircase that is both an engineering achievement and a quietly beautiful architectural moment.
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