The process behind a new lift installation isn’t always as straightforward as it may seem. At a surface level, it’s easy for those not in the know to come to the conclusion that all that needs to be decided before installing a lift is its size and intended location, but this isn’t actually the case. In fact, there is an extensive amount of design work that goes into every single lift installation, regardless of the type of project or application.
Whether you’re a building owner or a project manager, understanding the intricacies of the lift design process is crucial to ensuring the safety, functionality and efficiency of the lift you’re having installed. In this blog, we explore all of the considerations that go into the process of designing a new lift; from user behaviour patterns to eco-ratings, there are a vast network of factors that need to be taken into account.
Understanding Different Types of Lifts
Naturally, lift design is not a ‘one size fits all’ endeavour. In order to make sure that a lift design vision meets the practical needs of the building it’s being installed into, lift designers need to perform considerable research and surveying, working collaboratively with building owners, architects and interior designers to devise the perfect solution. There are many different types of lifts, each tailored to meet the needs of specific applications. Here are some of the most common types you’ll find:
Passenger Lifts
Passenger lifts are the most common type of lift you’ll find in both residential and commercial buildings. Designed to transport people safely and comfortably, when designing a passenger lift considerations will include speed, capacity, door configurations and interior design.
Freight Lifts
For buildings that require the transportation of heavy loads or bulky items, freight lifts are an essential amenity. These lifts are manufactured with robust materials and mechanisms that can handle the demands of moving sizable goods from one floor to another.
Accessibility Lifts
Accessibility lifts, such as wheelchair lifts and stairlifts, are designed with the intention of making buildings inclusive for people with disabilities. They must adhere to strict accessibility standards and ensure that they are easy for people of all abilities to operate.
Service Lifts
Service lifts are commonly found in hotels, restaurants and other establishments where the transport of food, laundry or other service-related items is required. This type of lift often has unique design considerations, such as temperature-control.
The Most Important Factors in Lift Design
Building Regulations
One of the key metrics that absolutely all lifts need to be measured by is whether they comply with local building regulations and safety codes. These regulations are enforced to ensure the safety of users, and must be adhered to during both the design and installation proceedings. Failure to do so can result in costly fines and legal issues, not to mention the fact that it could potentially put users in harm’s way.
Traffic Analysis
The most successful lift design projects are the ones that put human insight at its heart. This means having an understanding of the likely usage patterns of people in a specific building, including when the highest periods of foot traffic will be, and creating enough capacity to accommodate this. For instance, a passenger lift in a block of flats will get the most use when residents leave and return to and from work, and otherwise will simply be used at random points throughout the day. As such, the “rush hour” in this type of building will be different to the “rush hour” in an office building, in which the majority of employees will be using the lifts in a short period of time - pre-9am and post-5pm. These behavioural patterns will also impact the amount of lifts required, the size of the lift and where it’s positioned within the building. Taking these points into consideration guarantees that user satisfaction will be much higher as a result.
Space Constraints
It’s also crucial that lift design takes into account the available space within a building in order to accommodate lift shaft dimensions, pit depth and machine room requirements. In some cases, lift designers will have to come up with creative solutions to maximise space utilisation.
Sustainability
In light of the mounting climate crisis, BREEAM (Building Establishment’s Environmental Assessment Method) requirements are an increasingly essential consideration for many new lift designs. Building owners and businesses are striving to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on the user experience, which is where eco-friendly lifts come in. Sustainable lifts are designed to help building owners reduce energy costs whilst also contributing to the property’s green credentials. For example, glass-based lift designs are an eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing option that has grown in popularity in recent years. While the panoramic design allows users to take in the architecture of the building whilst travelling, the glass exterior also means that there is significantly less artificial light required to create a comfortable environment, thus reducing energy consumption.
Other features that often contribute to the sustainability of a lift design project include the use of energy-efficient motors, LED lighting and regenerative drives.
Safety Features
Nobody likes to feel unsafe whilst travelling in a lift, which is precisely why lift manufacturers are constantly working to improve the safety features in modern lift designs. These may include emergency braking systems, fire-resistant materials and backup power supplies, to name a few. Ensuring that these features are properly integrated is a huge part of the lift design process, and is crucial when it comes to protecting passengers in the event of an emergency.
Aesthetics
While there are many practical considerations that take precedent, aesthetics also play an important role in lift design. Modern lifts are no longer just dark metal cubes that get you from A to B. Using bespoke colour palettes, natural materials, glass panels and much more, your lift need not simply exist to transport users, but can also add a touch of luxury to your building.
Lift manufacturers can work with a vast range of styles - from sleek and modern to classic and elegant - to create a solution that seamlessly blends in with the building’s existing design. Materials including wood, glass, metals, laminate, tiles and more can be used to ensure that the visual flow of a carefully thought out design layout isn’t interrupted.
The Role of Lift Manufacturers
As we’ve established, effective lift design requires a deep understanding of engineering principal, safety regulations and architectural aesthetics. This is precisely where the expertise of lift manufacturers comes into play. These professionals bring a wealth of industry experience to the table, ensuring that lift systems are designed and installed to meet the highest standards. When you partner with a premium lift design service like ADL Lift Service, you will benefit from:
● Expertise: Trading for over 100 years, our designers and engineers are chosen for their high levels of skill and experience within this industry, meaning you can rest assured that your project is in extremely capable hands.
● Compliance: We are well-versed in local and international building regulations and codes, ensuring that your lift system meets all safety and legal requirements. Our team is also fully accredited by all major bodies.
● Customisation: Our service is highly bespoke, allowing you to work collaboratively with us to tailor your lift system to your specific needs and design preferences.
● Energy-Efficient: We use the latest innovative technology to provide energy-efficient solutions that help you reduce operational costs and minimise your carbon footprint.
● Maintenance: Our comprehensive maintenance and repair services guarantee that your lift remains safe and reliable throughout its lifespan.
ADL Lift Services: Your Partner in Lift Design
Don't let your building's potential be limited by subpar lift design. At ADL Lift Services, we offer industry-leading custom lift solutions - from straightforward lift installations to complex briefs for challenging buildings. Our lift design services involve taking a tailored approach to providing high-specification efficient and pragmatic solutions tailored to the requirements of each individual project. Whether you require lift design and installation services for your home or business premises, our specialist team can deliver the best outcome to clients across Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. For more information, please
get in touch with us today.
