When refurbishing the 1936 heritage-listed Grand Windsor Hotel in Auckland, Space Studio used elegant architectural materials to reflect the building’s original aesthetic. To meet NZBC safety requirements without detracting from the design, Gradus XT Stair Nosings were specified for the building’s stairways.

“Gradus XT Stair Nosings are architectural, beautiful and come in numerous styles for any type of interior environment,” explains Ian Williams, Gilt Edge Industries Ltd Architectural Consultant. “In this project, the designers wanted something elegant to suit the style of the original hotel design. That’s where the Gradus XT range sits. It’s an architectural range where the antislip inserts waterfall over the leading edge of the nosings. It’s where people often slip and risk injury, so it presents a robust health and safety option.”

Patented world-wide, Gradus XT Stair Nosings ensure maximum safety underfoot. The antislip insert is a smooth texture that provides ease of cleaning, creating a simple and elegant look. At the Grand Windsor, the nosings were overlaid on custom printed carpet, where the simple design with jet black inserts provided an elegant solution.

NZ-based Gilt Edge Industries Ltd supplied the nosings and worked with the installation team to overcome some installation challenges. “Utilising an in-house designed jig at our Christchurch factory we had to specifically drill and countersink the holes to a bigger screw fitting for the subfloor,” explains Ian. “We’ve got a great team in Christchurch that do the measuring and cutting, and they took to the challenge very well.”

The final result was well worth the extra effort; the subtle Gradus XT Stair Nosings fit seamlessly into the historical building, meeting Space Studio’s design brief. “It’s stunning,” says Ian. “The nosings fit in beautifully with Space Studio’s vision for the refurbishment. It’s modern but simple and elegant.”