In the lush green surrounds of Port Douglas, architectural brilliance meets tropical luxury. This award-winning villa by Nathan Verri stretches across 315 m², featuring four master suites, a chef’s kitchen with butler’s pantry, a private swimming pool, and expansive indoor-outdoor flow. Designed to be both a retreat and a showpiece, the residence demanded a lift that was as much a design statement as it was a lifestyle enhancer.
The answer was a Lift Shop A Series hydraulic swing door lift – customised to embody two distinct personalities across the home’s three levels.
How can a home lift contribute to architecture rather than just functionality?
Should it disappear into the background, blending seamlessly into its surroundings?
Or should it stand proud as a sculptural, conversation-starting element?
With this villa, the answer was: both.
The genius of this installation lies in its contrasts.
Top Level: The lift emerges as a head-turning feature, with a jet black wing door that anchors the space with bold confidence. Against light-filled interiors, it becomes a striking architectural highlight – one that guests immediately notice.
Ground Level: In contrast, the lift blends into the environment with a clean white swing door, disappearing gracefully into the minimalist palette. Here, the lift’s presence is felt, not seen – proof that functionality doesn’t need to interrupt design flow.
Inside the cabin, matte black walls with brushed stainless steel trims and corners continue the theme of quiet sophistication, while a full glass shaft allows natural light to play through the vertical core of the home.
This project demonstrates a powerful truth: a lift doesn’t have to choose between being bold or discreet. With the right design, it can be both.
How can a home lift contribute to architecture rather than just functionality?
Should it disappear into the background, blending seamlessly into its surroundings?
Or should it stand proud as a sculptural, conversation-starting element?
With this villa, the answer was: both.
The genius of this installation lies in its contrasts.
Top Level: The lift emerges as a head-turning feature, with a jet black wing door that anchors the space with bold confidence. Against light-filled interiors, it becomes a striking architectural highlight – one that guests immediately notice.
Ground Level: In contrast, the lift blends into the environment with a clean white swing door, disappearing gracefully into the minimalist palette. Here, the lift’s presence is felt, not seen – proof that functionality doesn’t need to interrupt design flow.
Inside the cabin, matte black walls with brushed stainless steel trims and corners continue the theme of quiet sophistication, while a full glass shaft allows natural light to play through the vertical core of the home.
This project demonstrates a powerful truth: a lift doesn’t have to choose between being bold or discreet. With the right design, it can be both.
Beyond its aesthetics, the A Series lift redefines the rhythm of everyday life in the villa:
From poolside to penthouse: Effortless transitions for residents and guests alike.
Architectural flow: The glass shaft connects spaces visually while making vertical movement seamless.
Lifestyle ease: Whether entertaining guests or enjoying quiet family life, the lift ensures accessibility feels natural.
It’s not just about going between levels. It’s about enhancing how life is experienced within them.
In a high-demand destination like Port Douglas, properties aren’t judged on size alone – they’re valued for design, foresight, and features that future-proof their appeal.
Luxury buyers expect lifts. A home of this calibre without one risks falling short.
Architectural integration creates distinction. Unlike retrofitted lifts, this installation feels original, elevating the home’s design story.
Return on investment. For a fraction of overall build cost, the lift strengthens resale value with a feature buyers increasingly consider essential.
Here, the lift is not just part of the architecture. It’s part of the investment strategy.
Not every supplier could deliver a lift that plays two roles at once. The homeowners and builder chose Lift Shop because of its reputation for:
Tailored design flexibility – lifts that adapt to the vision of architects and designers, not the other way around.
European engineering pedigree – Italian craftsmanship paired with Australian expertise.
Safety as standard — in-cabin self-rescue and advanced protection features included.
Long-term value – low service costs, no hidden extras, and a transferable warranty.
With over 8,000 premium installations, Lift Shop has proven that a lift is not just a product – it’s a design partner.
Lift Model: A Series Hydraulic Swing Door
Levels: 2
Cabin: Matte black walls, brushed stainless trims
Doors:
Top level: Jet black wing door (architectural statement)
Ground level: White swing door (seamless integration)
Shaft: Full glass shaft for light and transparency
Outcome: A lift that adapts its personality to each space — both subtle and bold, both functional and beautiful
This villa proves that a lift can do more than move people – it can shape experiences and define architecture.
On the ground floor, the white swing door disappears, letting design breathe. On the top level, the black wing door commands attention, turning the lift into a work of art. Together, they show that with Lift Shop, a lift doesn’t just serve the home. It tells its story.
Lift Shop: Elevating architecture, one level at a time.
