The British Geological Survey‘s William Smith office building, Keyworth Nottingham

Client: The British Geological Survey
Type of works: supply and installation of a helical staircase

The British Geological Survey‘s flagship William Smith office building is the largest wooden-framed open plan office building in the UK and was officially opened by the Princess Royal. Built to the highest environmental standards the building was awarded a BREEAM “Excellent” rating and is named after William Smith, who traveled on horseback to produce the first geological map of Britain in 1812.

The focal point of the building is the dome-shaped three-storey atrium constructed using curved glue-laminated timber columns and ETFE cushions,
which provide controlled passive heating and active solar control to the atrium.

The atrium encloses curving stairs leading from open balconies at each floor level down to ground level. These helical staircases were supplied and installed by M & G Olympic Products Ltd and provide an eye-catching feature to this innovative and sustainable structure. The staircases feature mild steel risers and landings and tubular mild steel stringers. In addition the timber treads and timber handrail compliment the supporting timber frame work and the stainless steel balustrades, complete with horizontal bar infill create an impressive futuristic aspect.

Having over 40 years experience in the design, manufacture and installation of staircases, balustrading and handrails, M & G Olympic Products Ltd are happy to work with clients from the early stages of a project, to undertake sight surveys and produce design solutions to create an end result to fully satisfy all criteria laid down by the client. Designers offer their expertise, and will ensure that all relevant British Standard regulations are complied with, where required. A project management service completes the comprehensive package and the company’s commitment to deliver projects to specified timescales, within budget but without any compromise on quality.