The Increasing Popularity of Home Elevators
The decision of living and ageing in one place is giving home elevators a boost, spurring innovation and lower costs
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 167 square metres (1800 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 ageing in one place became a common term. People have always looked for ways to stay in their homes as they aged, but with 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 ageing in one place became a common term. People have always looked for ways to stay in their homes as they aged, but with 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 panelling 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.
Browse through images of home elevators
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.
Browse through images of home elevators
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.
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.
You could go with a very small lift, 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.
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.
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.
Ageing 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!
See how this home uses the bounty of nature in its architecture
See how this home uses the bounty of nature in its architecture
If you are building or remodelling 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.
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.
Read more:
Step It Up: 10 Staircase Designs That WOW
Tell us: Do you have an elevator or plans to put one in? Let us know in the Comments below.
Read more:
Step It Up: 10 Staircase Designs That WOW
Tell us: Do you have an elevator or plans to put one in? Let us know in the Comments below.
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.