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Better Late Than Never

Located in the prestigious suburb of Teneriffe, Brisbane—known for its riverfront homes, heritage charm, and luxury renovations—this striking modern residence finally achieved full vertical accessibility after nearly a decade of planning. After nine years of collaborative discussion, design review, and timing coordination, Lift Shop was proud to deliver a seamless three-level E1 home lift installation, complete with a custom glass and steel lift shaft.

The clients, who were early visionaries of this upscale property, had long envisioned a home that would grow with them. From the initial concept phase, a residential lift was always part of the long-term plan. However, aligning construction schedules, architectural refinements, and the perfect builder took time. In the end, their patience paid off—with the completed lift system not only enhancing accessibility, but also integrating so smoothly into the home that it appears to have been there from day one.

This home in Teneriffe was designed with a contemporary, open-plan layout that maximises natural light and vertical views. As the homeowners planned for aging in place and future-proofing their investment, they knew that adding a lift would be a strategic upgrade—both for personal convenience and long-term resale value. The original architectural drawings included lift provisions, but it took nearly a decade to bring that vision to life.

Today, the result is a stunning example of how persistence, design foresight, and expert execution can combine to deliver an elegant vertical mobility solution without compromising aesthetics.

While the home itself was already built and occupied, several challenges had to be carefully navigated before the lift could be installed:

  • Retrofitting into an existing structure: Installing a lift post-construction always requires careful integration with minimal structural disruption.
  • Architectural alignment: The homeowners wanted a lift solution that complemented their home’s industrial-modern aesthetic—featuring exposed brick, timber, and steel elements—without appearing bulky or out of place.
  • Timing and builder coordination: After years of discussions, sourcing the right builder to take on the retrofit and finalise construction details was key to progressing the project smoothly.

After evaluating the space, style, and usage needs of the property, the E1 model from Lift Shop’s E Series range emerged as the ideal fit. As a high-performance, luxury electric lift, the E1 is known for its silent operation, fast travel speed, and ability to be customised with premium finishes—perfect for modern homes like this one in Teneriffe.

One of the standout design choices in this project was the addition of a steel and glass lift shaft. Not only did this choice maintain the open, light-filled feeling of the home, but it also introduced a sleek architectural feature that complemented existing materials. The use of glass ensured minimal visual interruption between floors while the steel frame aligned with the home’s industrial-chic palette.

What sets this lift apart is not just the performance—it’s the meticulous detailing:

  • Three-stop configuration: Providing seamless access from the ground floor up to the top level, enabling easy movement between living areas, bedrooms, and rooftop entertaining zones.
  • Fully enclosed glass shaft: Enhances light flow and spatial openness without compromising safety or insulation.
  • Sleek controls and LED lighting: Intuitive interface with softly illuminated buttons, ensuring ease of use at any time of day.
  • Custom finishes: Styled to match interior tones, with brushed metallic details and minimalist design aesthetics.

The E1 is engineered for both reliability and visual appeal—making it a standout choice for homeowners who want a lift that not only performs but also elevates the overall living experience. It’s also a fully electric drive, meaning no messy hydraulic oils or separate machine rooms are required—just a quiet, efficient lift system perfect for residential use.

With the lift now installed, the homeowners enjoy uninterrupted access across all levels of their home—making everyday life more comfortable and setting the stage for long-term livability. From hosting guests on the top floor to reaching bedrooms or storage spaces effortlessly, the lift enhances lifestyle flexibility while preserving the architectural language of the home.

What’s more, the lift and shaft look as though they were part of the original build—proof that expert planning and custom craftsmanship can produce results that feel organic, even in retrofitted projects.

“We’re thrilled with the final result—it’s everything we hoped for when we first envisioned this home. The lift looks like it’s always been part of the house, and Lift Shop made the process easy, even after all these years. Worth the wait!”

— Homeowners, Teneriffe QLD

To see how this design evolved and came to life, view the official lift layout and shaft design here: View Project Drawing (PDF)

Considering adding a residential lift to your own home—either new build or retrofit? Learn about the differences in electric vs hydraulic lifts for home use, or browse our full E Series lift range to see premium options like the E1 and E2 models.

For tighter spaces, you might also explore our C Series compact lifts for narrow shafts, offering sleek styling for modern homes with minimal space to spare.

At Lift Shop, we’ve spent over 20 years helping clients across Australia and beyond future-proof their homes through intelligent, high-quality lift solutions. Whether you’re planning ahead, retrofitting, or building new, our team of experts will guide you through the process with technical insight, custom design options, and no hidden costs.

To speak with our team or visit one of our showrooms in Brisbane, Sydney,

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