At Faulkner Construction, we believe exceptional homes are built on the smallest of details. Staircases, often overlooked, are one of our favourite elements to get right. When designed well, they go beyond function to become architectural focal points – tying together levels, materials and light in a way that lifts the entire home.
We’ve had the privilege of working with some of New Zealand’s most respected architects to bring complex and creative staircase designs to life – each with its own story and challenge. From recycled kauri to oiled French oak, here are nine examples of how great design, craftsmanship and collaboration come together to elevate every step.
Paunui House: Vertical timber meets concrete chic
Architect: Crosson Architects
A bold three-storey cast-in-situ concrete structure softened with vertical timber panels, this staircase is as structural as it is sculptural. It anchors the home at its core, drawing the eye upward while referencing the clean lines of the exterior.
Shift House: Recycled kauri handrails
Architect: MAUD
Designed by Natasha Markham, Shift House embraces sustainable design with stunning results. Its recycled kauri handrails add warmth and integrity to the internal stair – a subtle nod to heritage craftsmanship reimagined in a modern context.
Pohutukawa House: Nature-inspired staircase design
Architect: DAY Architects
Inspired by old East Coast baches, the staircase at Pohutukawa House pairs rustic timber floors with weatherboard-lined walls. The design evokes a sense of nostalgia while maintaining a clean architectural finish.
Blackbird House: Oak sophistication
Architect: DAY Architects
In a quiet homage to a neighbouring oak tree, the Blackbird House staircase features oiled, PEFC-certified French oak. The soft sheen and grain of the timber add texture and richness to the home's refined palette.
Davis House: Industrial beauty
Architect: Mercer and Mercer
A staircase influenced by the industrial aesthetic of yacht design. This project was as much about engineering as it was about form – an intricate, robust build that reflects both function and flair.
Marine House: Connecting spaces, elevating design
Architect: Archaus Architects
Vertical timber battens and natural light come together in this stunning example of visual connection. The staircase becomes a spine that filters light and creates subtle transparency across the living spaces.
Old Mill House: Honouring heritage
Architect: Malcolm Walker
In a major heritage renovation, the staircase at Old Mill House was reimagined as a playful centrepiece – bright white timber panelling meets a vibrant pink wall, honouring the past while embracing bold modern colour.
Tainui House: Exterior timber artistry
Architect: Arcube Architects
Designed to support indoor-outdoor living, this exterior staircase uses sleek timber to bridge patio and interior levels, continuing the architectural language of the home while making movement feel effortless.
Paunui House: Outdoor tiled elegance
Architect: Crosson Architects
The second feature from Paunui House, this exterior staircase uses large format stone tiles to create a strong geometric approach that blends beautifully into the coastal planting and structural form.
Craftsmanship in every step
Staircases give us the chance to combine precision with creativity – a detail-heavy zone where architecture meets craftsmanship head-on.
At Faulkner, we treat them as a signature of our builds: highly considered, highly refined, and never overlooked.
Want to see more of our architectural projects or start a conversation about your own?
