This bespoke oak and metal staircase with integrated LED lighting was designed and installed for a stunning Grade II listed barn conversion in West Sussex, where contemporary craftsmanship needed to sit comfortably alongside historic character.
The staircase features a striking anthracite powder-coated steel structure formed in a precise saw-tooth zig-zag profile, paired with solid oak treads to introduce warmth and texture. Discreet LED lighting integrated into the stair structure highlights each step while providing subtle ambient illumination to the surrounding open-plan living space.
Set beneath impressive exposed original oak beams and over stunning stone flooring, the staircase acts as both a practical circulation feature and a bold architectural focal point. Its clean, minimalist lines contrast beautifully with the barn’s rustic textures, creating a seamless blend of heritage and modern design. Every detail was carefully considered to comply with the restrictions of the Grade II listing, ensuring that the installation respected the building’s historic fabric while delivering a truly contemporary staircase solution.
Stainless Precision Meets Natural Oak
The combination of natural oak and anthracite steel brings together two perfectly contrasting materials. The warmth of the oak softens the sharp geometry of the zig-zag steel profile, while the dark powder coating provides a crisp, modern edge that complements Crittal-style glazing and open-plan barn interiors.
Integrated LED lighting enhances both safety and visual impact, gently illuminating the treads without overpowering the space, ideal for evening use and atmospheric feature lighting.
Designed for Listed Barn Conversions
Working within listed properties requires specialist knowledge and experience. For this project we handled all design detailing to ensure:
Full compliance with Grade II listed building requirements
Minimal visual and physical intrusion into historic fabric
Sensitive integration with original beams, floors and masonry
Hidden fixings and discreet structural connections where possible
Our collaborative approach with building control officers, conservation specialists and the homeowners ensured a solution that satisfied both aesthetic ambitions and regulatory obligations.
Oak and Metal Staircase Specification
Structure: Anthracite powder-coated steel
Design: Zig-zag saw-tooth profile
Treads: Solid natural oak
Lighting: Integrated LED step illumination
Setting: Open-plan Grade II listed barn conversion
Location: West Sussex
Commission Your Bespoke Staircase
If you’re planning a barn conversion or listed building renovation, a bespoke staircase can become the architectural heart of your home. At Paradigm Stairs we design, fabricate and install fully custom staircases across West Sussex, Surrey, Sussex and the wider South East, with specialist expertise in sensitive heritage properties.
Whether you’re inspired by oak and steel staircases, LED feature stairs, or bold zig-zag designs, our team can develop a staircase tailored perfectly to your building and lifestyle.
We brought Paradigm Stairs into our barn conversion project from the very beginning, and we’re so glad we did. The property had its fair share of challenges, including awkward details, unusual junctions and natural oak features, but Paradigm guided us through every step with complete confidence. They took the time to explain what was possible and how each design would work within the space. After exploring several concepts, we arrived at the perfect staircase. Paradigm not only supplied and fitted superbly, they also handled the Grade II listed building requirements in conjunction with our architect. The result is a truly stunning staircase that enhances the character of the property beautifully. Every visitor comments on it, and we couldn’t be happier.