Stair winding can rightly be described as the "high art" of stair construction.
See how fast it worksStair winding can rightly be described as the "high art" of stair construction. There are 3 ways to lead a stair “around the corner”:
The easiest to walk on, but requires a lot of space. The most comfortable solution when there is sufficient room.
The traditional German solution with elegant winder steps. Requires experience and skill.
Not permitted in Germany, but common in the USA and parts of Europe. Also called “winders.”
Legal situation in Germany: Split landings are not allowed here because of the height difference at the handrail, even though architects like this type of construction for its straight stringers. So, the only option is to wind the stair traditionally if there is no space for a landing.
In addition to the mathematical method, which often results in stringers that don’t look very elegant, there are numerous drawing-based methods that are sometimes shrouded in mystery. Ultimately, none of these are natural laws like Ohm’s Law, but rather they are all based on the experience of stair builders, many of whom have been dead for hundreds of years.
With the help of computers and some mathematics, it is now possible to meet the demand for an elegant curve and good walkability independently of these traditional methods. However, this approach has not yet been incorporated into standards. Still, most CAD programs apply the old methods in a slightly modified form to achieve stair winding.
Important note: Unfortunately, not every method yields good results in every situation. Often these methods can only be applied meaningfully in standard situations. No matter how the winding is achieved, you should always keep a careful eye on the results and, if necessary, manually adjust individual steps.
This type of winding, as applied here in Germany, is not common everywhere abroad and in some places not permitted at all. One could say: the further you go from Germany, the less it is used.
Conversely, the other alternative, the multi-part landing, is not permitted in Germany: imagine a square corner landing divided into 2 or 3 “pie slices.” You walk straight to the corner, deliberately turn, and then continue straight. This is often seen in American sitcoms or, for example, on vacation in Spain. In my personal opinion, it is very pleasant to walk on.
