Home > Science and Research > RD > Programmes > CLOSED: Building Regulations Research and Technical Support (01 April 2003 - 31 March 2011) > Improved Dwelling Stair Design

Project: Improved Dwelling Stair Design

Reference: 36/8/218 (BD1994)

Last update: 06/11/2003 10:03:15

Objectives

The overall objective of this project is to improve understanding of building performance as a contribution to making dwellings safer and easier to use by all members of the community. Particular emphasis will be paid to vulnerable sub-groups such as persons who are infirm or partially sighted. The specific objectives are to: identify improvements in the design of stairs and their fixtures and fittings to make this area of the home safer and more useable; provide recommendations for improvements to the design of stairs, particularly for elderly and disabled users, such as the graspability of handrails, the needs of partially sighted users for contrast, if appropriate, and the implications of stair geometry for movement of all groups, identify requirements for the design of dwelling stairs that can be incorporated into Approved Documents K and M where appropriate.

Contractor(s)

Building Research Establishment
Bucknalls Lane, Watford, WD25 9QQ

Contract details

Cost to the Department: £75,177.00

Actual start date: 01 May 2000

Actual completion date: 31 October 2003

Summary of results

  1. The project concluded that the current guidelines and recommendations for domestic stair design are inadequate to cater for the needs of the whole population. Specific recommendations covered: handrail design; stair width (no less than 800mm); minimum going (250mm for rises up to 185mm); closed risers; pitch (less than 37 degrees; headroom (greater than 2000mm); no landings on straight flights if this would reduce the going to less than 250mm); floor finishes and slip resistance; visual appearance of the stairs and any nosing; lighting; nosing shape; and tactile designs.