Home Elevators: A Rising Trend
The increasing popularity of aging in place and universal design are giving home elevators a boost, spurring innovation and lower cost
One of the nicest things my grandfather did for my grandmother was to have a home elevator installed. They lived in a two-story home with the main living area and bedrooms on the upper floor. My grandmother had become frail enough that getting upstairs from their main entrance on the ground level was a daunting task. My grandparents were not wealthy people, and their home was not large — maybe 1,800 square feet. But my grandfather knew how much she wanted to stay in her home, so he put one in. Now that's love!
That was around 35 years ago, way before aging in place became a common term. People have always looked for ways to stay in their homes as they aged, but with the Baby Boomers' influential numbers and recent more affordable innovations in technology, home elevators are becoming a very desirable amenity. And as loud as my knees creak when I come down my stairs, I think one of these is definitely in my future. Now I need to pick out my elevator music. Maybe a particularly schmaltzy instrumental cover of a Barry Manilow song?
That was around 35 years ago, way before aging in place became a common term. People have always looked for ways to stay in their homes as they aged, but with the Baby Boomers' influential numbers and recent more affordable innovations in technology, home elevators are becoming a very desirable amenity. And as loud as my knees creak when I come down my stairs, I think one of these is definitely in my future. Now I need to pick out my elevator music. Maybe a particularly schmaltzy instrumental cover of a Barry Manilow song?
I like the way the designer used paneling and a gorgeous wood door to blend this elevator in with the home's decor. A modern convenience doesn't have to look out of place in a traditional space.
The second type of elevator is referred to as a traction elevator or MRL (machine room–less) elevator, and as the name implies, it does not need a separate machine room. It works by sliding up and down a track with a counterweight. If you are retrofitting, then this type is a better bet. It still needs additional space above the top of the elevator to house the equipment that runs it.
The second type of elevator is referred to as a traction elevator or MRL (machine room–less) elevator, and as the name implies, it does not need a separate machine room. It works by sliding up and down a track with a counterweight. If you are retrofitting, then this type is a better bet. It still needs additional space above the top of the elevator to house the equipment that runs it.
Pneumatic Elevator Tube
The pneumatic elevator is the third type and the most recent innovation. This giant polycarbonate tube with a separate tube inside for the cab works with air pressure, pretty much like those deposit tubes at the bank drive-through (although, thank goodness, you don't whiz through quite that fast). The 37-inch-diameter tube can be installed without any need to build a shaft or a machine room, so if you need an elevator in an existing home, this may be the one for you. It needs no machine room, as the pump box that runs the elevator is only 11 inches tall and the same diameter as the tube.
Although you don't have to build a shaft, so this is a pretty easy thing to install, you do need to have wide enough doorways to get the tube into your house. It requires a 39-inch-wide opening to go through, and most doorways are about 36 inches or less.
See a wealth of technical data about pneumatic elevators here
Although you don't have to build a shaft, so this is a pretty easy thing to install, you do need to have wide enough doorways to get the tube into your house. It requires a 39-inch-wide opening to go through, and most doorways are about 36 inches or less.
See a wealth of technical data about pneumatic elevators here
So how much does an elevator cost? Well, that's a tricky question. As you can see there are a few kinds, and it makes a difference if you are putting one in during new construction or if you are retrofitting an existing space. The actual elevator itself can run $15,000 to $25,000, which doesn't include the cost of building a shaft or a machine room or running electrical.
The cost is also affected by the number of floors served and the options you choose. You could go with a very small, simple style, as in the photo above, or ...
... you can opt for rich wood paneling, stone, mosaic, mirrors, grab bars — oh, and let's not forget elevator music. Yes, some of these come with the ability to pipe in music.
Another important add-on is a telephone. Since we don't always carry our cell phones around with us when we are at home, I think any elevator should include a phone for emergencies.
The total cost to put in an elevator can easily come in around $100,000 if you have to retrofit and opt for lots of bells and whistles.
Another important add-on is a telephone. Since we don't always carry our cell phones around with us when we are at home, I think any elevator should include a phone for emergencies.
The total cost to put in an elevator can easily come in around $100,000 if you have to retrofit and opt for lots of bells and whistles.
You might create a beautiful, wood-clad central shaft wrapped with stairs. This elevator shaft is so well designed that it works as an attractive architectural element, as beautiful as it is functional.
This design looks like it was part of the original house plan. If you are trying to find a spot in an existing house and don't want to make it look like you crowded an elevator inside, consider building a shaft along the exterior of your house with the doors opening into the home. A 6-foot by 6-foot addition could be enough, and it would let you preserve the look of your interior.
This design looks like it was part of the original house plan. If you are trying to find a spot in an existing house and don't want to make it look like you crowded an elevator inside, consider building a shaft along the exterior of your house with the doors opening into the home. A 6-foot by 6-foot addition could be enough, and it would let you preserve the look of your interior.
Aging in place isn't the only good reason to have an elevator. This house has a garage on one level and a ravine between it and the house. This elevator is attached to the back of the garage, and then a walkway crosses the ravine. Without the elevator can you imagine the hike from the garage to carry groceries in?
Many luxury homes take advantage of precarious real estate. This home is built on a cliffside. What you're looking at isn't their yard, it is a green roof. The elevator takes you down into the house. Pretty slick!
If you are building or remodeling your home now and would like an elevator someday, then think about building the shaft now. It doesn't have to be wasted space until you're ready to install the elevator. This little office space sits in the elevator shaft of this home. When the owners are ready, the desk will come out and an elevator will go in.
Elevator Music (At Its Worst): The Elevator Troubadours: MP3 Download
If you're still having a hard time trying to decide what music to play that will truly be elevator-esque, give this album a listen ... at least as long as you can stay awake.
Tell us: Do you have an elevator or plans to put one in? Let us know in the Comments section.
More:
Design for All: Creating a Home That Works for Everyone
Design for All: Smart Interiors for All Members of the Home
Tell us: Do you have an elevator or plans to put one in? Let us know in the Comments section.
More:
Design for All: Creating a Home That Works for Everyone
Design for All: Smart Interiors for All Members of the Home
In very broad terms, there are three main types of elevators. The first is hydraulic. It takes up quite a bit of space in your home and requires a machine room for the equipment that runs the elevator. If your home is a new construction, then it is a little easier to plan the space needed for that type of elevator.