Prestigious Projects: The Whiteley
At Smet we like to take on big development projects consisting of multiple units and multiple staircases. In 2022, that big project was called The Whiteley. With forty-four staircases, this was our biggest contract to date. The cherry on top, you might say. We are proud to announce we have now completed the installation of the staircases and that we can showcase the project.
The Whiteley
Whiteleys, London’s first department store, was founded by William Whiteley in 1863. The store moved to a grand Beaux-Arts building on Queensway in 1911. It embodied early 20th-century retail opulence. Whiteleys declined over time and closed in 1981. Redeveloped into a shopping centre in 1989, it closed again in 2018 for new redevelopment. Now, re-imagined by the world-renowned Foster + Partners, Britain’s first department store turned residency houses 139 unique residences, several retailers and the first Six Senses hotel of London.
The Staircases
Smet designed, manufactured and installed staircases for forty-four of the future homes. Each staircase features a cut stringer design with solid French Oak treads, white, Beech risers, and a black painted, steel spindle balustrade with a solid wood handrail on top. We designed a new starting post, which slightly curves out, mimicking the curves in the stringer, yet keeping to the elegant design. With their curved, continuous balustrade they soften the spaces, and the painted stringers blend in seamlessly with the wall, creating a minimal, yet elegant look.
The Process
We were contacted By Fosters + Partners after a recommendation from project developers Finchatton and Valouran. Our early involvement as consultant in the design process allowed us to work closely together with everyone involved. During the many development meetings, we proposed to switch from a metal and timber-clad structure to an all timber staircase. The metal was unnecessary – it would not contribute to aesthetics and was not time-efficient to install. The new, all timber design simplified both production and installation as the French Oak treads were now an integral part of the staircase’s structure, thus, eliminating unnecessary complexity.
After the design phase, Smet was appointed to manufacture and install the staircases. By pre-assembling the staircases, we allowed for a quick, efficient installation, resulting in a better finish and a shorter turnover time. Additionally, Smet provided the skirting for the staircases, ensuring a cohesive look throughout the apartments.
The Final Result
The final result is a spacious and comfortable staircase that is an integral part of the architectural vision. With attention to design, details, production and installation we met the high expectations for this project.
The Collaboration
We are incredibly proud of this project and feel honoured to have been a part of this development. The collaboration with the outstanding Foster + Partners, property developers Valouran and Finchatton and the fit-out contractor Ardmore was a unique opportunity to further establish ourselves as a bespoke staircase manufacturer. We want to thank everyone involved for the smooth partnership and trusting us to bring the vision to life.
