2024 in Milestones
As the calendar wraps up, here at Smet we like to reflect on the year. What were our hits, where did we miss? But mostly, what achievements are we proud of? Read along to revisit some of our 2024 milestones.
Project in the Spotlight: Cobham Family House
This one was a challenge! Because the staircase spans multiple flights with different floor types, we had to carefully calculate the varying height differences of the stone, carpet and runners to ensure the treads maintained a consistent rise - a key requirement for building regulations. It took some extra effort, but we got it just right!
The curved, white-painted stringers, French Oak, solid, treads and risers, and the fully continuous handrail paired with the steel spindles add warmth to the space. The elegant, contemporary design also perfectly ties in with the Client's Middle Eastern influences.
- Design: Jess O'Grady
- Main contractor: Brickfield Construction Ltd
- Project manager: Ross & Ross Consulting
Prestigious Projects: The Whiteley
'The Whiteley' was the cherry on top for our steady track record. It is an extensive redevelopment project of an iconic London landmark into private residences, retailers, restaurants and the UK's first Six Senses hotel. We have been designing, manufacturing and installing the staircases for this project.
This picture was taken in the Marketing Suite and showcases a staircase featuring a cut stringer design with solid French Oak treads, white, Beech risers, and a black painted, steel spindle balustrade with a solid wood, continuous handrail on top. The handrail on the wall was added for extra safety.
- Architect: Foster and Partners
- Property developers: Valouran and Finchatton
- Fit-out contractor: Ardmore
Something Special: Notting Hill Townhouse
This grand elliptical staircase connects the Basement to First Floor and came to live by intensely working together with the very skilled Valouran design team. It is a great example of when intelligent design, creative engineering and excellent craftmanship come together. The internal glazed screens allow to enjoy the sweeping lines from many different angles.
The money shot is on the First Floor looking down three floors and showcase the eliptical shape of the winding flights.
The staircases are stone clad. The steel balustrade has a waving detail, which nicely ties back to the shape of the stairs. The continuous French Oak handrail is the icing on the cake for this design.
- Property developers: Valouran
- Fit-out contractor: London Projects
Showcasing our Craft: Company Visits
This year, we were honoured to welcome multiple Clients to our headquarters to give them a tour of the showroom and atelier and to further connect. We welcomed the Client from our Copenhagen project, we had Bascomb & Drew, De Rosee Sa and James Gorst Architects visit to see their project come to life. Jess O'Grady and Brickfield Construction also crossed the pond.
When companies visits, we try to align that with the production of their staircase. That way, our Clients can see our manufacturing process of their project.
All Modern: St. Albans Villa
For this design, the intitial intend was to have a metal frame clad in wood. However, we proposed an alternative solution: a block-stair with 80mm thick treads and risers and our special finger joint.
The handrail in the wall was created by making a slot in the wall. We then placed a framework inside that already had the handrail attatched to it. Add some lights and Bob's your uncle.
The stunning three solid Douglas Pine staircases have a simple round spindle balustrade with a French Oak handrail on top. The spindles are grouped, three per tread, which creates a modern look.
- Architect: HJ Stribling & Parters
- Interior design: Pia Interior Design
Smet Revamped: Our New Website
We may have mentioned it only a few times via only a few channels, so in case you had not heard it yet, let's say it one more time. We have a new website! The last couple of months, we have worked incredibly hard to further define Smet as a company that specialises in luxurious staircases. The result speaks for itself, our new, updated website conveys exaclty what we stand for. We hope you think so too!
Although this newsletter marks the end of our year, there is one more thing we need to do before we can jump into the new year:
We wish you Happy Holidays, all the best for the new year and we hope to hear from you in 2025.
Season’s Greetings and Best Wishes for the New Year!
The Smet team,
Peter, Sander, Carine, Frederik & Charlotte
