Carol Gullidge (asker) Sep 24, 2007:

Hi Tony: it is quite hard to describe, but with the marches rayonnantes, the steps go up/down normally (normal rectangular steps) right until they are level with the turning point. They then fan out from the angle of the stairs, until they have turned 90 degrees - but still with tapered end of the steps attached at that point (the corner!). This usually takes 3 steps, the middle of which is called a kite winder because of its shape. It's these 3 steps or winders that that I need a specific term for.

The other sort of winder (marches balancées) starts to turn gradually a little (a few steps) higher/lower than the corner - ie, the leading edge starts to swivel before it's level with the corner, allowing the narrow end to be wedge shaped rather than an angle - leaving some room for feet. Looking at both types from above, the marches rayonnantes form a fan that is closed/joined at the centre, whereas the marches balancées form a fan that's more open at the centre

Emma Paulay Sep 24, 2007:

And another (the conclusion is the interesting part):http://www.housing.gov.bc.ca/bcab/BCAB1300-1399/Appeal-1384....

Emma Paulay Sep 24, 2007:

Here's another link - to confuse us even more: http://www.stairplace.co.uk/terminology.html

Tony M Sep 24, 2007:

I'm not actually sure I follow your description, Carol; sure, they radaite around the newel-post at the point of the turn; but how can the other type 'start turning before the corner'? That's the bit I don't quite understand...?

Carol Gullidge (asker) Sep 24, 2007:

"Radiating steps" does exist, but mostly in optical, or other contexts. Where it occurs in this context, it seems to be synonymous with the general term "winder", ie, any steps that turn