Staircase Refurbishment
Poulson House, Stoke-on-Trent
£150,000
Locations
Key Activities
Structural Strengthening – On-Site Hardwood Plywood Joinery – Phased Fire Escape Strategy – SMSTS Oversight
Triora Group was appointed to undertake a comprehensive programme of staircase refurbishment, structural remediation and fire escape improvement works within an occupied building.
The project involved the complete removal of non-compliant and unsuitable materials from the existing staircases, followed by the construction and installation of new hardwood plywood stair treads and risers, structural strengthening, stringer repairs and new under-stair ceiling systems.
A key requirement was to maintain the building's operational capacity throughout the works. To achieve this, the staircases were programmed sequentially one at a time, allowing temporary fire escape routes to remain active under the continuous supervision of an SMSTS-trained Site Manager and independent structural engineer oversight.
The client required significant remedial works to a number of existing staircases, including the removal of non-compliant materials and the replacement and strengthening of the existing stair construction.
Complete removal and disposal of carpet tiles, non-FD-rated boarding, and timber framing.
Removal of defective MDF stair treads and risers.
Mechanical fixing and structural strengthening of existing stair stringers.
Mitigation of trip hazards at dropped junctions between stringers and landings.
On-site manufacture and installation of bespoke hardwood plywood treads and risers.
Maintaining full operational continuity and compliant fire escape routes in an occupied building.
Triora Group's approach began with understanding the condition and construction of the existing staircases, together with the requirements for maintaining safe access and fire escape arrangements throughout the project.
Triora Group provided comprehensive health and safety arrangements including detailed RAMS, site signage, temporary fencing, segregated waste containment, and dedicated SMSTS site management.
Systematic Strip-Out Removal of MDF treads, non-FD boarding, and non-compliant timber framing.
Handcrafted Treads & Risers 68 units of 22mm hardwood plywood treads & 12.5mm risers with 38mm bracing.
Structural Remediation Mechanically fixing stringers at 400mm centres and repairing dropped landing junctions.
Under-Stair Ceilings 25mm metal stud framing, 12.5mm plasterboard, and skim finishes for fire compliance.
Each staircase was programmed for a maximum repair period of approximately six weeks and completed sequentially. Upon completion of each phase, the work area was left in a dust-free and clean condition, maintaining smooth operational continuity throughout.
High-resolution showcase of Staircase Refurbishment &Structural Remediation
The project provided the client with a comprehensive programme of staircase remedial and refurbishment works, resolving underlying structural defects while keeping the building safe and fully operational.
new stair tread and riser units manufactured and installed on site.
Existing non-compliant MDF treads and timber ceiling framing completely removed.
Stair stringers mechanically fixed at 400mm centres and structurally strengthened.
Dropped sections at stringer/landing junctions repaired, mitigating trip hazards.
New under-stair metal stud and plasterboard ceiling systems installed with skim finish.
Three structural engineer inspection visits and full structural reports per staircase.
Dedicated, segregated and fenced waste management area established.
RAMS, site signage, temporary fencing, and SMSTS-trained Site Manager oversight.
Sequential phasing maintained temporary fire escape arrangements throughout.
“We were delighted with collaborative approach of Triora who managed every aspect of this project including the design of the new staircases. Through intelligent planning, Triora maintained access for all occupants, whilst ensuring that the work area was fully secured at all times.”
This project demonstrates Triora Group's ability to deliver complex refurbishment and remedial works in live environments, where safety, programme management and continuity of building operations are critical.
Our approach combines experienced site management with structured planning, robust health and safety controls and close coordination with specialist professionals. For this project, Triora Group was responsible for coordinating: