FreedomLift

Residential Lifts > FreedomLift > Understanding Lift Shafts

Lift Shafts

Lifts require a shaft in which to run. It is built by a builder or supplied by the lift company

Masonry Shafts

Concrete, brick or block shafts are usually built into the building as part of the construction process (190mm thick load bearing walls is common). They are preferred by customers who want the lift to "blend in". They usually require a bigger total outside shaft footprint due to the thickness of the concrete walls and may be slightly cheaper in a new building situation. Remember "total project cost".

When you place a FreedomLift in a concrete shaft, then it is recommended that you paint and render the inside of the shaft on the door opening walls. It is a requirement that this wall be smooth and flat.

Usually the shaft is part of the structural aspects of your building. The lift landing doors are supplied and installed by Lift Shop, the builder provides the door penetration for us. Make good is what your builder will do.

  

Lift Shop

Aluminium Shafts

Where an elegant, sleek, futuristic, impressive or observation effect is required to the outside of the lift shaft, then the lift shaft is usually supplied in addition to the lift. The aluminium shafts have a smaller outside footprint due to the thinner metal of the load bearing structure.

Aluminium and glass shafts are extremely popular where a functional light well or architectural effect is desired.

Aluminium shafts are also very quick to install as they are modular, designed to be carried in through a normal door opening, do not require roof removal or crane, and sustain their own loads. Naturally, it is one less thing for the builder to do.

  

Lift Shop

Finishes to the Aluminium Shafts

Structures (the horizontal & vertical beams)

  • select from our incredible range of colours.
  • in Australia, natural anodised is most popular, Americans like the timber effect, in the Middle East and Asia, gold is often chosen. Choice is freedom.

Panels (the fill in bits!)

  • Glass (which can be tinted)
  • Or any from our extended 2010 range of panels on page 11 Composite aluminium looks sensational

Other considerations

  • Exterior solution is available with a bubble roof on top (extra cost)
  • You may wish to paint the equipment (extra cost) as it is visible from outside in a glass panel situation.
  • A glass cabin and shaft makes a small lift feel bigger.