A national park in the Netherlands is the setting for this old water tower, which Dutch firm Zecc Architecten has transformed into an observation point by twisting staircases through its middle (+ slideshow). More about Zecc Architecten transforms an old water tower into a parkland observation point
A spiralling concrete staircase connects the 12 platforms that make up this split-level house in San Pedro de la Paz, Chile, by Chilean firm Pezo von Ellrichshausen (photos by Cristobal Palma + slideshow). More about Concrete staircase spirals up through Pezo von Ellrichshausen's Casa Gago
This office and workshop for a theatre designer in Osaka was designed by Japanese studio Mattch to look like a glazed box hovering between two solid curtains (+ slideshow). More about Set design studio in Japan by Mattch plays with theatrical imagery
London studio Haptic references eroded granite rock formations commonly found around the Norwegian coastline with the curving form of this layered timber staircase, created for an office interior in Oslo. More about Arkwright office by Haptic features slatted staircase emulating rock formations
A suspended steel staircase is completed by a piece of wooden furniture in this renovated Oslo loft by London studio Haptic (+ slideshow). More about Floating steel staircase divides Idunsgate Apartment by Haptic
This conceptual design for a family home by postgraduate architecture student Gonzalo Vaíllo Martínez features a fluid structural frame, a skeletal staircase and a skin incorporating blinds that open and close like gills (+ movie). More about Futuristic family home by Gonzalo Vaíllo Martínez based on biogenetic forms
A spiral of wooden strips surrounds a staircase in the restaurant of this Strasbourg hotel, designed inside a former equestrian academy by Paris studio Agence Jouin Manku (+ slideshow). More about Wooden strips coil around staircase at Strasbourg hotel by Jouin Manku
A dramatic oak staircase with a sweeping handrail connects the five storeys of this Victorian convent building in south London, which has been converted into four homes by John Smart Architects (+ slideshow). More about Curvaceous oak staircase ascends through converted convent by John Smart Architects
Residents climb over an integrated desk, storage space and shelving to reach the suspended upper section of this staircase by Dutch design studio Mieke Meijer. More about Suspended staircase combined with desk and storage space by Mieke Meijer
This Berlin townhouse by architecture office XTH-Berlin features doors that open like drawbridges, sloping floors that function as slides and nets that cover holes in the floors (+ slideshow). More about Slides, nets and drawbridges feature in Townhouse B14 by XTH-Berlin
An orange staircase zigzags back and forth across the atrium of this science faculty building that Canadian firm Saucier + Perrotte Architectes has completed for a Quebec college (+ slideshow). More about Grand orange staircase ascends through science faculty by Saucier + Perrotte
Dutch firm 8A Architecten has modernised a small labourer's house in Leiden by adding a large oak structure that incorporates a staircase, storage facilities and sofa (+ slideshow). More about 8A Architecten adds combined staircase and sofa to Leiden house
This hilltop staircase by Dutch firm NEXT Architects appears to create a continuous pathway, but it's actually impossible to walk round more than once without climbing off (+ slideshow). More about Hilltop staircase by NEXT Architects creates the illusion of an endless walkway
The central staircase inside this office in Mexico City by architecture studio Goko is made up of different sections, including some that look like they are upside down. More about Staircase with upside-down sections at an office in Mexico
An angular wooden staircase ascends the lobby of this office renovation in the Dutch town of Hoofddorp by Amsterdam architects Studioninedots (+ slideshow). More about De Burgemeester office with an angular wooden staircase by Studioninedots
News: architecture firm Snøhetta has unveiled the design for a new staircase linking the existing San Francisco Museum of Modern Art with the 21,000 square-metre extension currently under construction. More about Snøhetta unveils new staircase for San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
An iron staircase reminiscent of structural trusses connects the two floors of this house in Milan by Italian architects Roberto Murgia and Valentina Ravara (+ slideshow). More about House with an iron staircase by Roberto Murgia and Valentina Ravara
A spiralling stack of chunky wooden blocks forms this staircase designed by architecture studio QC for an apartment in Poland. More about Spiral staircase made from chunky wooden blocks by QC
This spiral staircase conceived by London designer Paul Cocksedge will feature balustrades overflowing with plants and circular spaces where employees can take time out from their work. More about The Living Staircase by Paul Cocksedge
A spiral staircase made from Brazilian ironwood links two floors inside this São Paulo house, which was designed by Brazilian architect Isay Weinfeld as a private gallery and guest house for two art collectors (+ slideshow). More about Casa Cubo by Isay Weinfeld