In the highly sought-after Brisbane suburb of Norman Park, a four-level architect-designed residence presented a unique challenge — and a major opportunity. Originally constructed with a central shaft reserved for a dumbwaiter that was never installed, the void had sat unused for years. Its narrow dimensions and structural steel intrusions posed potential obstacles to adding any meaningful functionality.
But for the owners of this beautiful home, accessibility and convenience were becoming priorities — and they didn’t want to compromise on aesthetics. That’s where Lift Shop came in. With our signature ability to customise lifts to any space, we transformed this awkward void into a vertical design feature by installing a fully tailored E1 compact home lift — turning an architectural leftover into a standout, future-proof addition.
Retrofitting a lift into an existing home is never a small task, especially when dealing with tight cavities and established structural elements. In this case, the shaft was flanked by load-bearing steel columns, and the space itself was never intended for full passenger use. This called for precise planning and custom engineering.
Working closely with the homeowners and their consulting team, Lift Shop conducted a thorough site assessment to explore the most space-efficient solution. By employing our size-to-suit technology — which allows cabin dimensions to be customised down to the millimetre — we were able to engineer a compact yet comfortable lift cabin measuring just 860mm wide by 1050mm deep. This bespoke fit ensured the unit slotted neatly into the existing void without requiring significant structural modification.
Despite its compact footprint, the lift feels anything but cramped. The smart use of materials — particularly glass panels on the cabin walls, shaft, and doors — creates an illusion of openness and lightness that belies its small size. The result is a lift that delivers a spacious visual and physical experience while occupying minimal floor area.
The glass shaft itself becomes an architectural statement. Framed in a matte black finish, it adds dramatic contrast to the home’s otherwise light and timber-toned interior. The transparent surfaces draw in natural light from surrounding windows and skylights, giving the lift an almost floating quality within the double-height void.
Inside, the cabin’s sleek and contemporary detailing reinforces the modern design language of the home. Brushed stainless steel door frames and polished steel profiles mirror other architectural features, including the exposed beams and structural steel elements. This sense of cohesion helps the lift feel like a natural part of the home, rather than a retrofitted afterthought.
Lift Shop’s collaborative design process ensured the lift didn’t just solve a functional problem — it elevated the aesthetic value of the home. Every element, from the shaft finish to the interior lighting and control panel layout, was carefully coordinated with the client’s vision.
The result is a finely tuned installation where no detail feels out of place. The vertical transport solution now serves not just as a utility but also as a point of visual interest, effortlessly blending with the architecture and contributing to a sense of luxury and modernity across all levels of the home.
The E1 lift also features quiet, reliable electric operation and includes Lift Shop’s full-height safety light curtains, dual safety circuits, and backup battery systems — ensuring both comfort and security at every level. For homeowners seeking a lift with style and performance, the E1 offers the best of both worlds.
While this was a retrofit project, the success of the installation demonstrates the value of involving lift consultants early in the design or renovation process. In many homes — especially those with tight or unusual spatial constraints — even small design choices can have a major impact on installation feasibility and cost.
Lift Shop’s early involvement allowed for meticulous site coordination, avoiding costly or invasive retrofits. It also enabled the team to offer creative suggestions that enhanced the end result — like the use of glass to open up the compact space visually and materially.
For homeowners or architects considering similar projects, our home lift buyer’s guide outlines key questions to ask and steps to take when planning a lift integration. You can also browse the Learn Resources section for technical insights, design tips, and certification info.
More Australian homeowners are discovering that compact lifts aren’t just for accessibility — they’re design-forward additions that can add property value, convenience, and architectural interest.
As block sizes shrink and multi-level living becomes more common, vertical circulation must evolve. Today’s small home lifts are not only slim enough to fit tight floor plans but stylish enough to complement the most high-end interiors. With E Series and C Series options available, Lift Shop offers flexibility for nearly every application — from minimalist studios to grand, multi-storey builds.
What began as an unused dumbwaiter void is now a key lifestyle feature for the homeowners. This custom-engineered E1 lift enhances mobility across four levels while contributing to the home’s overall design language. Its glass shaft and cabin offer elegance, its footprint preserves precious floor area, and its performance delivers daily comfort and peace of mind.
The installation stands as a strong example of what can be achieved when engineering, architecture, and user experience come together in a compact lift solution. Whether you’re renovating or retrofitting, Lift Shop brings decades of experience and a flexible approach that helps you get more from your space (Gold Coast) — and more from your investment.
For more examples of creative lift installations across Australia, explore our extensive home lift case studies — featuring residences in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. Each one shows how a well-designed lift can add beauty, functionality, and long-term value.
Need personalised guidance? Visit your nearest showroom or contact our team to discuss your project. No matter your space or stage of construction, we’re here to help you lift with style.
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