A Modern Lift in a Victorian Home Creates a Timeless Design
A couple’s desire to stay in their Victorian home led to an elegant lift solution that combines accessibility with timeless style.
Specifications
- Model: Aritco HomeLift
- Size: 1000 x 1200 mm
- Floors: 3
- Lift color: White
The opportunity
Ross, in his 80s, has lived with his wife Carolyn in their Victorian-era home in Richmond for over 30 years. As the husband’s mobility became more restricted, they faced a dilemma: either sell the house or adapt it to make it more accessible. Wanting to preserve their connection to the home and its memories, they opted for a renovation that would allow them to stay. The couple wanted a solution that wouldn’t disrupt the classic aesthetic of the house but would offer ease of movement between floors, especially as stairs became increasingly difficult. They needed a solution that meant they could maintain their lifestyle in a home they loved.
The lift
Ross and Carolyn appointed Sophie Bates Architects to expand their ground floor and improve accessibility. Sophie selected an Aritco Home Lift for its modern design and ability to blend seamlessly with both the Victorian architecture and the new contemporary extension. The lift area features tall glass doors for natural light. Inside, matte white glass backlighting provides a minimalist feel to match the modern extension, while wooden trim around the lift entrance matches existing windows to harmonize with the traditional feel of the upper floors. Compact and shaftless, the lift was placed in a discrete corner that previously housed a storage area, causing virtually no disruption to the original layout of the house.
The result
The addition of the lift added convenience to their daily routine and helped them stay connected to their home filled with treasured art and memories from their travels. With natural light streaming through the glass doors and a view of the garden, the lift has integrated effortlessly into the home’s design, providing both function and beauty. This project demonstrated how thoughtful architectural choices could empower aging homeowners to stay connected to the spaces they love without sacrificing comfort or style.
