A Legacy of Experience, A Lift for Life: Coogee Home Built to Last

Situated in the picturesque coastal suburb of Coogee, Western Australia, this extraordinary family home reflects the culmination of decades of industry expertise and a passion for thoughtful design. Built by a husband-and-wife builder team with a deep understanding of residential construction and architectural finesse, this three-level residence was conceived as a forever home — a place where practicality meets luxury, and every detail contributes to comfort, accessibility, and timeless style.

Designing a home for an extended family comes with unique challenges. The need for fluid movement between levels, especially for guests of all ages and mobility levels, made incorporating a residential lift not just an option, but a necessity. The owners required a solution that could handle high daily usage while seamlessly integrating with their sophisticated interiors. They chose Lift Shop’s ElfoLift, known for its perfect balance of spaciousness, elegant finishes, and robust reliability — qualities essential for a home built to endure.

Understanding the Project Context

Coogee is renowned for its relaxed coastal lifestyle, scenic ocean views, and family-friendly community. Homes in this area often combine modern luxury with a casual atmosphere, making design and functionality equally important. The couple’s build is no exception: a thoughtfully planned layout spanning three levels, designed to host family gatherings, quiet retreats, and everything in between.

With generous living areas and multiple bedrooms, the residence demanded an accessibility solution that catered to people of all ages — from grandparents to young grandchildren. The lift was required to be a smooth, efficient conduit between floors without compromising the home’s visual appeal or interior flow.

After consulting extensively with Lift Shop’s expert team, the owners opted for a customised ElfoLift model, tailored to their precise specifications for size, finish, and operation. This choice underscores their commitment to quality, ease of use, and a future-proof design that would serve the household for decades.

Challenges Faced During Design and Installation

Incorporating a residential lift into an architecturally refined home requires careful planning and precision execution. The key challenges in this project included:

• Space Constraints: Although the home is spacious, ensuring the lift fit comfortably without impinging on living areas required expert space management and custom sizing.
• Aesthetic Integration: The owners wanted the lift to feel like a natural extension of the home, not an afterthought or bulky addition. This meant careful selection of materials and finishes to complement existing architectural features.
• Structural Considerations: Given the coastal location, the shaft and mechanical components needed to be resistant to moisture and corrosion, requiring premium materials and engineering expertise.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring the lift complied with all Australian safety standards and accessibility regulations was paramount, involving thorough documentation and certification processes.

Working closely with the home’s architect and builder, Lift Shop’s team managed these challenges with tailored engineering solutions and meticulous attention to detail.

Customized Solution: The ElfoLift Advantage

The ElfoLift was the ideal fit for this project due to its blend of luxury and functionality. Specifically designed for residential settings, this lift offers spacious cabins, smooth hydraulic drives, and an extensive range of finishes. For the Coogee home, the following customizations were key:

• Cabin Size and Capacity: The lift cabin measures a generous 1100mm wide by 1400mm deep, comfortably accommodating up to 350kg. This spaciousness allows for easy access for multiple passengers or those using mobility aids.
• Load-Bearing Capacity: Built to handle heavy daily use, the ElfoLift’s robust design ensures longevity, reliability, and smooth rides across the home’s three levels.
• Material Finishes: The cabin walls feature similinox skinplate — a durable, low-maintenance surface that reflects natural light and offers a sleek, contemporary appearance. Polished stainless steel profiles frame the interior, adding understated luxury and complementing the home’s sophisticated style.
• Landing Doors: All three landing doors were custom finished in high-gloss RAL 7043 traffic grey powdercoat, paired with panoramic fume glass panels. This finish provides a modern industrial chic look that contrasts beautifully with the home’s warm timber floors and natural elements.
• Lighting and Ceiling: The polished stainless steel ceiling reflects integrated LED downlights, bathing the cabin in warm, even light that enhances safety and ambience.
• Car Operating Panel (COP): The vertical COP is designed for intuitive operation, accessible to users of varying heights and abilities, supporting inclusive design principles.

This level of bespoke customization ensured the lift not only meets functional demands but elevates the home’s aesthetic and user experience.