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Here’s why a spiral staircase was the perfect addition to this edgy house

A soft spiral staircase helped achieve the perfect balance in an industrial Waiheke home.

Clare Chapman
Last updated: 1 February 2024 | 1 min read
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Architect Vaughn McQuarrie reveals the design choices behind an industrial Waiheke home. A key feature is the spiral staircase, which acts as a central sculptural element. Its unpainted plaster finish was chosen to soften the home's hard edges.

The house was also dug into the slope to keep the deck low, avoiding the need for a balustrade. Large, continuous windows lighten the structure both inside and out, creating a unique suspended floor effect and enhancing the edgy aesthetic.

Q&A with architect Vaughn McQuarrie

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Clare Chapman Clare Chapman
Editor in Chief, HOME