Rediscovering History: The Remarkable Journey of the Copperleaf Rear Staircase

In the heart of one of our latest projects, Copperleaf, lies an intriguing piece of history, a testament to the craftsmanship and architectural prowess of a bygone era. Copperleaf, a new build nestled next to a grand historic Victorian house, unveiled a hidden gem during its construction: a set of robust sandstone steps, steeped in history and local significance.

Unearthing the Past

The story begins during the excavation phase, beneath a garage constructed around 1910. As we delved into the ground, breaking through a concrete slab, our contractor’s team stumbled upon these remarkable sandstone steps, originally installed circa 1860 when the Victorian house was built. These steps, crafted from the local Forest of Dean sandstone, were a relic of the past, each step weighing approximately 200 kilos, with the entire assembly totaling a few tonnes.

The Craftsmanship of Yesteryears

The sandstone steps are a testament to the enduring craftsmanship of the stonemasons of the 19th century. These artisans meticulously hewed each stone by hand, likely on-site due to the sheer weight of the materials. The Forest of Dean sandstone, known for its durability and distinctive character, was a popular choice for such constructions. The masons' skill is evident in the precision of the cuts and the seamless integration of each stone, ensuring the staircase could withstand the test of time.

A Deliberate Preservation

Upon discovery, our initial reaction was one of awe and respect for these historic steps. A local reclamation yard in the Cotswolds offered over a thousand pounds to purchase them. However, recognising their historical value, we decided to preserve and repurpose them. This decision marked the beginning of a complex yet rewarding journey of incorporating these steps into Copperleaf’s rear stairway. Thanks to the positive and ‘Can-Do’ attitude of VJW Contractors, we were able to proceed with the mission.

Engineering and Design Challenges

The steps' integration required careful planning and collaboration. A large excavator was hired to manoeuvre the hefty stones, setting them aside for future use. Our design process involved exploring various options to ensure the staircase would be both functional and integrated with the design of the house.

We enlisted the expertise of Jack Russell, a local metalworker and sculptor, whose approach and craftsmanship were pivotal. Jack’s design for the steel framework provided the necessary support for the staircase, ensuring it could bear the weight of the sandstone while maintaining structural integrity. A robust base slab was poured to support the 1.5-tonne structure, independent of the main building.

A key design concept was to play on the scale and weight of the sandstone steps by hiding the supporting steelwork, creating the illusion that the steps were floating effortlessly. Jack's primary contribution was his understanding of this design vision and his dedication to achieving it through meticulous steelwork design and fabrication. His efforts ensured that the support structures were discreetly integrated, allowing the steps to appear as if they defied gravity.

The Final Touches

Jack spent several weeks fabricating the steelwork, which was then brought to the site and meticulously assembled. The balustrades and additional steel elements were crafted on-site, tailored to fit the unique dimensions of the sandstone steps. The stones, having been buried for over a century, required some restoration and stonemasonry cleaning and preparing them, restoring their original grandeur.

Using a combination of modern machinery and traditional techniques, we carefully positioned the sandstone steps onto the steel framework. The process involved moving the heavy stones on rollers and lifting them into place, a nod to the methods likely used by the original builders.

A Staircase with a Story

Today, the rear staircase of Copperleaf stands as a bridge between past and present, seamlessly blending contemporary design with historical significance. It serves not only as a functional element of the new build but also as a preserved piece of architectural history, embodying the craftsmanship and ingenuity of the Victorian era.

At PSYTE Architects, we take pride in honouring the past while building for the future. The Copperleaf rear staircase is a shining example of how historical preservation and modern architecture can coexist harmoniously, creating spaces that tell a story.