Retrofitting a home lift can often present challenges around design harmony, space constraints, and maintaining the character of a classic property. However, this stunning residence in Melbourne exemplifies how a carefully planned lift installation can blend modern convenience with timeless style without compromise. The client sought to improve accessibility between floors while preserving the architectural integrity and spacious flow of their beloved family home.
The property is a traditional Melbourne-style home featuring generous living spaces, classic detailing, and established timber flooring throughout. The homeowners desired a lift solution that would provide seamless access to the upper level, catering to both everyday family needs and long-term accessibility considerations. Their brief emphasized minimal disruption to the existing layout, maintaining aesthetic cohesion, and integrating the lift discreetly without sacrificing comfort or functionality.
To achieve this, the decision was made to add a brick lift shaft at the rear of the garage. This location leveraged otherwise unused space and ensured the lift would not encroach on key living areas or detract from the home’s visual appeal. The site’s structural and architectural elements required a solution tailored to narrow confines and existing thick walls, while still offering an open, welcoming lift experience.
The main challenges centered around:
Additionally, ensuring the lift cabin felt spacious and luxurious despite the compact shaft dimensions was vital for the client’s comfort and satisfaction.
Lift Shop</strong recommended and supplied an ElfoLift from the A Series range, a highly versatile and compact domestic lift known for its reliability, smooth operation, and adaptable design. The ElfoLift’s engineering allowed for a through car configuration with adjacent side entries—an ideal layout for the limited space and floor plan requirements.
The lift car was sized carefully at 1150mm wide by 940mm deep to maximize passenger comfort while respecting shaft constraints. On the landing sides, a set of 900mm wide doors on one side and 800mm on the other ensured easy access and compliance with accessibility standards.
To complement the home’s elegant character, the ElfoLift was finished with:
The lift’s operating speed was set at the maximum allowable 0.3 meters per second with a 350kg load capacity, balancing smooth, quiet performance with practical usability.
A standout feature of this project was the treatment of the existing extra-thick walls. Creating new door openings involved precision cutting and reinforcement to maintain structural integrity. The resulting deep door jambs provide a strong architectural statement, echoing the home’s traditional style and enhancing the entrance to the lift.
Externally, the brick shaft was meticulously rendered and detailed to mirror the original home’s façade. This craftsmanship ensured the lift structure blended seamlessly into the garden and garage surroundings, virtually invisible from the street. Such attention to detail speaks to Lift Shop’s commitment to bespoke solutions that respect and elevate each home’s unique character.
This ElfoLift installation has transformed the Melbourne home by providing:
The client expressed great satisfaction with how the lift enhances daily living without compromising the home’s aesthetics or flow, calling the project “a seamless blend of functionality and design that truly respects the spirit of our home.”
At Lift Shop, our expertise lies in delivering tailored residential lifts that meet your home’s unique architectural and accessibility needs. Whether you require compact lifts for tight spaces or luxury lifts with premium finishes, our team guides you through every step—from initial design to final installation.
Interested in seeing how an ElfoLift or other models from our range can elevate your home? Explore our C Series lifts for slim, stylish options or visit our About Us page to learn why Lift Shop leads the market in residential lift solutions. For personalized advice and a no-obligation quote, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
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