stairs

“Niche spaces, such as the sofa bench on the staircase landing, allow for a calm feeling of being holed up in a cave, even within the large air volume space,” Hatori explains.

Built-in cabinetry beneath the staircase provides extra storage space for the 1,024-square-foot home.

Built-in shelving under the stairs to the mezzanine level provides the resident with extra storage.

“Try to group uses and find solutions that solve multiple problems,” Borowski counsels. As an example, Pozner cites the idea of having the loft stairs double as clothing drawers. Though he eschewed a handrail, preferring a cleaner look, Pozner says that the slipperiness of the stairs “remains a work in progress. We had grooves, but they hurt my feet.” The pair are now looking into heavy-duty felt treads.

The staircase is made from teak.

“Everyone who comes over wants to sit in the nook,” says Natalie, especially teenagers. “It’s quiet. They can whisper there.” The ceiling light is Urban Electric Form.

The steps are made of parallel-strand lumber that was left over after framing the house. “We hadn’t decided on the stair material, so we put these up to have something as placeholders,” says Jørgensen. “Buttons saw them and said, ‘We’re keeping these, right?’ ”

A birch staircase features extensive storage and contrasts with the concrete floors and the reclaimed brick of the partial wall. The wire stool was designed by Cees Brakman, and the ceiling beams are made from pine.

“Jess is a treasure hunter at heart,” says Mattingly, noting that Jessica brought the antique metal handrail back from New York. The bottom two steps were re-poured and reshaped, framing a new alcove and drop zone with a bench. The walls covered in wood paneling.

Staircase

A wooden staircase with built-in cabinetry connects to

Photo by Osamu Abe

The staircase that accesses the second level features a slim silhouette that preserves ground space for the open-plan first level, where the kitchen, dining, and living areas are located.

White-painted storage cabinets are built-in to the wall beneath the staircase.