In Melbourne’s creative inner-city suburb of Carlton, a former industrial site has been transformed into a vibrant, modern residence that beautifully balances its rich heritage with contemporary design. Owned and designed by an architect, this unique factory conversion retains the original building’s raw structural bones — exposed steel beams, open voids, and industrial proportions — while integrating a playful and vivid colour palette to inject warmth and personality throughout the home.
At the heart of this home is a bold and fully customised ElfoLift installed within the four-level stairwell, redefining vertical movement with style and functionality. This lift is much more than a means to travel between floors; it is a pivotal design feature, showcasing how residential lifts can blend seamlessly into the architecture while adding a layer of artistic expression.
The architect-owner envisioned a lift that would preserve the openness of the industrial void while improving accessibility across the four levels. A standard lift might have risked interrupting the airy atmosphere or obscuring natural light — key elements of the home’s design ethos. The challenge was to create a vertical transport solution that respected the building’s historical character while contributing to its modern reinterpretation.
To meet these demands, Lift Shop recommended the ElfoLift, renowned for its sleek, transparent cabins and versatile customisation options. This model is ideal for clients who want to retain sightlines and natural lighting, all while offering reliable and quiet movement through their home.
The lift cabin measures a generous 1200mm by 1200mm, providing ample space and comfort for users without overwhelming the compact central void. The through car configuration allows for entry and exit on either side, perfectly aligned with the home’s open-plan flow and floor layouts.
One of the most eye-catching aspects of this installation is the shaft and door colour scheme. The shaft is powdercoated in vibrant hues that pay homage to the home’s industrial heritage while introducing a playful modern twist. Each landing features aluminium doors finished in a different colour — bright blue, red, green, and yellow — echoing the exposed steel beams and other architectural accents scattered throughout the home.
This colourful approach transforms what might be a purely functional element into a key architectural statement, inviting visual interest and reinforcing the home’s unique character. The lift becomes a moving piece of art, changing as it travels between levels.
Additionally, the lift shaft is topped with laminated safety glass, allowing natural sunlight to cascade down through the central core. This element preserves the home’s bright, open feel and enhances the visibility of the lift from every floor.
Integrating a residential lift into a heritage-inspired industrial conversion poses several challenges. The main concerns for this project were preserving natural light, maintaining sightlines, and respecting the building’s original structure while meeting modern building codes and accessibility standards.
The compact stairwell required precise measurements and custom engineering to ensure the lift fit perfectly without obstructing movement or light. The use of glass and lightweight materials helped reduce the visual bulk of the installation.
Compliance with Australian safety standards, including emergency lighting, communication systems, and door safety sensors, was critical. The lift’s electric drive system was chosen for its quiet operation and energy efficiency, fitting the home’s ethos of sustainable luxury living.
This ElfoLift installation perfectly balances function with flair. It significantly improves accessibility for all residents and guests, especially important in a multi-level home with frequent use of all floors. The lift’s transparent cabin preserves the openness of the stairwell, ensuring that natural light fills every level without interruption.
The custom colour scheme adds personality and vibrancy, elevating the lift beyond mere utility to become a centrepiece of architectural interest. The careful use of premium materials like Cristallino stone and Similinox skinplate demonstrates a commitment to quality that reflects the home’s overall luxury status.
Clients often remark on how this lift feels like a bespoke piece of furniture or an integral part of the home’s artistic narrative rather than a retrofit or afterthought.
Lift Shop has been a leader in luxury residential lifts across Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth, for over two decades. We specialise in tailoring lifts to meet the specific needs, aesthetics, and architecture of each home. Whether it’s a compact lift for a heritage townhouse or a grand installation in a new build, our team combines engineering expertise with a design-first mindset.
Our E Series electric lifts are renowned for their smooth, fast, and whisper-quiet operation — ideal for modern homes where convenience and style are equally important.
We offer extensive customisation options, including premium finishes, bespoke cabin sizes, and a range of door and shaft configurations. Our 8-year warranty, the longest in the industry, demonstrates our confidence in the quality and durability of our lifts.
For inspiration on how a home lift can transform your living space, browse our wide range of case studies. Each showcases real projects tailored to client needs across Australia’s diverse architectural landscape.
Learn more about the benefits of residential lifts and how they can improve accessibility, property value, and lifestyle in your home.
If you’re ready to elevate your home with a customised lift solution, visit our Contact Us page to speak with our experts and request a free consultation. We proudly serve clients nationwide, with dedicated showroom locations in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth.
For homeowners curious about how residential lifts work and which technology suits their needs, our Learn Resources section offers in-depth guides on lift drives, safety standards, and buying tips.
Discover the differences between hydraulic and electric lift drives in our detailed comparison article Electric vs Hydraulic Drives Explained.
At Lift Shop, we combine engineering excellence with thoughtful design, ensuring your home lift is not just an appliance but an enhancement to your lifestyle and home’s story.
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