This family-designed new build in the Sussex countryside required a staircase that would act as both a spatial anchor and an architectural gesture. Set between Midhurst and Petersfield, Butterfly House is defined by light, openness, and a close relationship with natural materials — qualities that shaped the design of the staircase from the outset.

The Wayfarer staircase was conceived as a sculptural element, responding directly to the home’s butterfly-shaped plan and fluid internal layout. Curved stringers guide movement gently through the space, allowing the stair to flow naturally within the open-plan interior rather than impose upon it. The result is a form that feels intuitive, balanced, and inherently connected to the architecture around it.

Solid oak treads and a matching oak handrail introduce warmth and material continuity, carefully aligned with the home’s engineered timber flooring and bespoke window frames. This consistency reinforces a sense of calm throughout the interior, where structure and materiality work together rather than compete.

Frameless glass balustrades are recessed seamlessly into the stair and landings, preserving uninterrupted sightlines and allowing light to move freely between levels. This transparency enhances the home’s central void and strengthens the visual connection between interior spaces and the surrounding landscape.

Every aspect of the staircase — from geometry and proportion to material selection and detailing — was resolved as part of the wider architectural language of the house. Integrated with custom timber windows, expansive glazing, and a refined spatial layout, the staircase becomes a natural extension of the home rather than a standalone feature.

The completed Wayfarer staircase brings movement, softness, and clarity to the heart of the Butterfly House — a considered architectural element designed for everyday life, long-term comfort, and enduring presence.