Journal of Architectural Conservation
Volume 13, Issue 1, March 2007
Historic Timber Cantilever Staircases
Paul Begg
Paper Summary
Whilst stone cantilevered staircases are occasionally addressed in the literature, historic timber cantilevered stairs appear to have been ignored. However, they demonstrate a remarkable refinement of this type of stair, resulting in a design which is exceptionally elegant and structurally efficient, yet which was also relatively easy to construct. This paper briefly reviews the history of cantilevered staircases and how they work. Using the results of a borescope survey, it then examines the detailed construction of a surviving example of a timber cantilevered staircase in a property built around 1800 in Aberdeen. This survey shows how the design had developed to an integrated, minimal structural form where all of the components contribute to the structural system. In relation to the preservation of such staircases, it is therefore important to understand that any repair or replacement of elements which may appear superficial can affect the overall integrity of their structure.
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Paul D. Begg C.Eng., MICE
Paul Begg is a civil/structural engineer. From 1975 to 1990, he worked both for public authorities and civil/structural consulting engineers. Since 1990, he has lectured in engineering, most recently in the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment in Aberdeen, where he specializes in building structures.
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