I am planning a loft conversion in my 1930's semi. Currently there is an unenclosed staircase (i.e. with balustades) to the first floor. I want to put a second, unenclosed staircase directly over this leading to the loft. The loft will have an ensuite shower room and the option to divide into two bedrooms in the future, but initially will just be used as a single large space (master bedroom or play room).
To enhance the sense of space and create an open-plan look, what I would like to do is have no door in to the space, and protect the stairwell with a banister, or maybe a half-height wall.
The main restriction to this would appear to be fire regulations, which as a minimum require a fire door either at the top or bottom of the stairs. Are any other solutions allowable? For example, installing sprinklers in the loft and along the protected stairwell? Fitting a fire escape to the second storey? etc.
Thanks for any advice.
To enhance the sense of space and create an open-plan look, what I would like to do is have no door in to the space, and protect the stairwell with a banister, or maybe a half-height wall.
The main restriction to this would appear to be fire regulations, which as a minimum require a fire door either at the top or bottom of the stairs. Are any other solutions allowable? For example, installing sprinklers in the loft and along the protected stairwell? Fitting a fire escape to the second storey? etc.
Thanks for any advice.