The Royal Albert Hall Artists Bar
A striking staircase for an iconic building
Commissioned as a centerpiece for the exclusive Artists Bar within the world-renowned Royal Albert Hall, this project demanded an extraordinary level of architectural sensitivity and structural innovation. To honour the Grade I listed heritage of such a prestigious landmark, the design required a subtle, “slight helical” form that feels like a natural extension of the building’s storied history while asserting itself as a bold, contemporary feature. The resulting staircase acts as a sculptural bridge between levels, blending the hall’s Victorian grandeur with a sleek, modern aesthetic tailored for a high-profile, luxury environment.
Project
Royal Albert Hall Artists Bar
Requirement
A feature helical staircase
Client
The Royal Albert Hall
Industry
Commercial
Contractor
Overbury Eos
Floor to floor height
3040mm
Treads
17 @ 178mm
Tread Type
Plain plate riser treads welded
Tread Width
1958mm
Balustrade
Extension steel
Stringer
Extension steel
Handrails
Polished Oak
The staircase is built upon a precision-engineered welded steel framework, meticulously crafted to provide the immense structural integrity required for a high-traffic hospitality space while maintaining an elegant, sweeping silhouette. To achieve a sophisticated finish that complements the interior’s tactile luxury, the treads were completed with on-site concrete overlays, offering a solid, premium feel underfoot that is softened by a handcrafted, French-polished timber handrail. The visual rhythm of the structure is defined by its RHS balustrades, which mirror the clean lines of the integrated feature wall, creating a seamless transition from the structural metalwork to the architectural fabric of the room. This fusion of raw industrial strength and refined artisan finishes ensures that the installation remains a durable yet striking focal point within the heart of the Hall.
Related Case Studies...