The Weinhardt Library: A Study in Transformation

When Mark and Karrie Weinhardt moved into their modern home, originally crafted by an architect for himself and his wife, they were drawn to the soaring ceilings and open floor plan of the main living area. While beautiful, over time they realized the far end of the great room felt like a “large empty box.”

To celebrate their shared love of books, art, and music, the couple turned this blank canvas into a two-story home library. The centerpiece of it all became a FLIGHT Spiral staircase that is functional, visually striking, and seamlessly integrated with the home’s design.

Limited Space
While they were working with significant vertical space, floor space was limited. The new design couldn’t encroach too far into the living room or block existing doors and windows.

Accessibility and Safety
Early design ideas included ladders or traditional stairs, but these options either took up too much room or posed safety concerns.

Architectural Cohesion
The existing home had a strong, modern architectural style. Every new element needed to look and feel like part of the original architecture.

The Weinhardt’s designer, Chaden Halfhill of Silent Rivers Design + Build, recognized the importance of uniting beauty and practicality. “We started with the concept of building a two-story library,” says Mark, “but had to figure out how to ascend safely and elegantly in a limited space.”

Initially, Mark and Karrie imagined a romantic ladder system, reminiscent of old-world libraries. But as they examined possible designs, the limitations became clear: a ladder would be restrictive for daily use, especially as the homeowners looked toward the future. Traditional stairs, on the other hand, would dominate too much of the existing floor plan.

Ultimately, the solution emerged in a spiral staircase: compact enough to fit within the tight footprint, yet sculptural enough to function as a visual centerpiece.

“We wanted something that drew your eye when you came into the room,” Mark says. “Something not just functional, but striking.”

After examining various spiral options, Chaden says, “Viewrail provided the most design-forward ideas and they paired well with what we were doing within the space. I was particularly drawn to the soft curves — often, spirals are stiff. This one felt sculptural, inviting, and it consolidated the footprint.”

The completed library — an artful blend of custom millwork, hand-chosen books, personal mementos, and a sculptural spiral staircase — feels entirely original to the home.

By focusing on both functionality and artistry, Mark and Karrie’s two-level library now serves as the creative heart of their home — an inviting space that reflects their love for reading, music, and meaningful conversation. Viewrail’s FLIGHT Spiral system not only solved the practical challenge of vertical circulation in a tight footprint, but it also became a sculptural element anchoring the library’s entire design.

Through close collaboration between homeowner, architect, and Viewrail, this once-empty corner of a great room has been transformed into a timeless, intimate retreat.