High-value homes need elevators that deliver more than luxury and convenience. In areas exposed to flooding, bushfires, storms or seismic activity, lift design needs to consider the conditions surrounding the installation as well as the lift itself. Next Level Elevators supplies Italian-designed, fully electric residential lifts that combine premium finishes with engineered safety systems for Australian homes.
How home lifts behave during natural disasters
Modern residential lifts incorporate multiple safety systems designed to protect passengers during power failures and equipment faults. Key safety features can include:
- Mechanical brakes that engage when power is lost, helping hold the cabin securely.
- Overspeed protection designed to prevent uncontrolled cabin movement.
- Automatic rescue devices that can use battery power to move the cabin to a suitable landing during a power failure.
- Safety systems designed to prevent normal lift operation when essential conditions are not met.
A lift does not simply fall when the power goes out. Safety systems are designed to bring the lift to a safe state, with emergency rescue functionality available on compatible installations.
Flood resilience for residential lifts
Flood risk affects many suburbs across Queensland, NSW and Victoria. When a lift is installed in a flood-prone location, the surrounding structure and building services are just as important as the lift equipment itself.
Lift pit waterproofing and drainage
Water entering a lift pit can damage electrical and mechanical components, cause corrosion and create significant safety issues. Depending on the site, flood-resilience measures can include:
- Appropriate pit waterproofing.
- Effective drainage and water management.
- Raising the lift pit or landing levels where required by the site conditions.
- Appropriate protection for electrical equipment.
- Flood-resilient construction materials.
- Coordination between the lift supplier, builder, architect and structural engineer.
The appropriate solution depends on the property’s flood risk, site conditions and building requirements.
Fully electric lift systems
Eltec residential lifts use fully electric traction technology rather than hydraulic systems. This means there is no hydraulic oil within the lift system, removing the potential for hydraulic fluid leaks during a flood event. However, a fully electric lift is not automatically flood-proof. The lift pit, shaft, electrical connections and surrounding building infrastructure still need to be appropriately designed for the site.
Outdoor and exposed installations
Where a lift is installed outdoors or in an exposed location, suitable protection against water and dust ingress may be required. IP-rated components can provide additional protection, with the appropriate rating depending on the specific equipment and installation environment. For flood-prone properties, these measures can form part of a broader approach that may include raised levels, drainage, waterproofing and appropriate building design.
Earthquake and seismic considerations
Australia generally has lower seismic risk than countries such as Japan, New Zealand or parts of North America. However, seismic considerations can still be relevant to certain residential projects. Lift installation needs to comply with applicable Australian requirements, with the structural design of the shaft and supporting structure considered as part of the overall project. Important considerations can include:
- Secure anchoring of the lift and supporting structure.
- Appropriate shaft construction.
- Structural bracing where required.
- Suitable connections between the lift structure and building.
- Compliance with applicable Australian lift standards.
- Additional engineering requirements where site conditions warrant them.
For properties in areas with greater seismic exposure, architects and structural engineers can incorporate additional structural measures into the lift and shaft design.
Power failure and emergency operation
Power failures can occur during storms, extreme weather and grid outages. A residential lift therefore needs appropriate safety measures to manage loss of electrical power. Eltec residential lifts can incorporate systems designed to bring the lift to a safe condition during a power failure.
Mechanical braking
Mechanical braking systems are designed to engage when power is removed, helping prevent uncontrolled movement of the cabin.
Automatic rescue
Where an Automatic Rescue Device is installed, battery power can be used to move the cabin to an appropriate landing and open the doors following a power failure. This can reduce the likelihood of passengers remaining inside the lift until mains power is restored.
Backup power
Some homeowners may also integrate the lift into a broader home backup-power strategy. Depending on the electrical configuration and system requirements, options can include:
- Whole-home battery systems.
- Standby generators.
- Other suitable backup-power solutions.
The suitability of any backup-power system should be assessed by the relevant electrical professionals and coordinated with the lift installation.
Why choose Next Level Elevators for risk-prone regions
Next Level Elevators combines Italian-designed lift technology with installation designed around Australian requirements.
Italian-designed engineering
Eltec residential lifts use electric traction technology designed to provide smooth, quiet operation for premium residential environments. The Volare and HLB ranges can be configured for a variety of architectural applications, allowing the lift to become an integrated part of the home rather than simply an additional piece of equipment.
Fully electric technology
Eltec’s fully electric systems do not use hydraulic oil. For properties where flood resilience is an important consideration, eliminating hydraulic fluid from the lift system can remove one potential source of water-related contamination and damage.
Multiple safety systems
Residential lift safety relies on multiple systems working together rather than a single component. Depending on the model and configuration, these can include:
- Mechanical braking systems.
- Overspeed protection.
- Automatic rescue functionality.
- Safety interlocks.
- Emergency controls.
The precise safety configuration depends on the lift model and installation.
Premium finishes without compromising functionality
The Volare and HLB ranges can be customised to suit the architecture and interior design of a home. Options can include:
- Glass cabins.
- Bespoke wall finishes.
- Custom flooring.
- Architectural finishes.
- A range of cabin configurations.
Design choices should always be considered alongside the applicable safety and accessibility requirements for the installation.
Seven-year warranty
Next Level Elevators provides a seven-year warranty against defects for its residential lifts, subject to the applicable warranty terms. The warranty provides homeowners with additional confidence when investing in a long-term residential lift installation.
Regional lift design considerations
Different parts of Australia present different environmental and building considerations. Lift design should therefore be based on the individual site rather than simply its location.
NSW
Sydney, Newcastle and the Central Coast include areas affected by flooding, bushfire risk and challenging site conditions. Potential considerations include:
- Local flood overlays.
- Appropriate pit and drainage design.
- Bushfire considerations where relevant.
- Structural design appropriate to the site.
- Coordination with architects, builders and engineers.
Victoria
Melbourne, Geelong and the Mornington Peninsula include areas where flooding, bushfire risk and elevated building designs may influence lift installation. Potential considerations include:
- Waterproofing and drainage.
- Appropriate pit positioning.
- Elevated or stilted-home integration.
- Site-specific environmental considerations.
- Coordination with the building structure.
Queensland
Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast can experience flooding, severe storms and cyclones. Potential considerations include:
- Flood-resilient pit design.
- Appropriate drainage.
- Raised levels where required.
- Suitable protection for exposed electrical equipment.
- Coordination with the home’s broader storm and flood-resilience strategy.
Key benefits for premium homeowners
A well-designed residential lift can provide more than everyday convenience. For premium homes, the lift can be designed around the property’s architecture, environmental conditions and long-term requirements. Key benefits include:
- Fully electric operation, with no hydraulic oil.
- Multiple safety systems, including braking, overspeed protection and emergency rescue functionality.
- Flood-conscious installation, with appropriate waterproofing, drainage and equipment protection where required.
- Premium customisation, allowing the lift to complement the home’s architecture and interiors.
- Long-term warranty support, providing additional confidence in the investment.
FAQs
How much does a home lift cost in Australia?
Premium residential lifts in Australia can typically range from approximately $45,000 to $80,000 or more installed. The final cost depends on factors such as the number of stops, travel height, lift model, finishes, shaft requirements, building works and site conditions.
How long does a home lift take to install?
A typical two or three-stop residential lift may require several days on site once the shaft, openings and other required building works have been completed. The overall project timeline can be longer because it also includes design, manufacturing, building works, electrical work, inspections and certification.
Is a home lift safe during floods or earthquakes?
A correctly designed and installed lift incorporates multiple safety systems and must meet the requirements applicable to the installation. In flood-prone areas, additional measures such as waterproofing, drainage, appropriate equipment protection and raised levels may be required.
Seismic requirements depend on the location, building design and applicable engineering requirements.
What happens if the power goes out while I am in the lift?
The lift’s safety systems are designed to respond to a loss of power. Mechanical braking can hold the cabin securely, while compatible installations with an Automatic Rescue Device can use battery power to move the cabin to an appropriate landing and open the doors.
Can a home lift be installed in a flood-prone suburb?
Yes, subject to the site’s conditions and applicable building requirements. Flood-conscious installations can incorporate measures such as:
- Waterproofed lift pits.
- Improved drainage.
- Raised levels where appropriate.
- Protection for electrical components.
- Suitable lift and shaft construction.
- Coordination with the home’s broader flood-resilience design.
The appropriate solution should be assessed during the design stage with the builder, architect and relevant engineering professionals.
Next steps
If you are considering a residential lift for a property exposed to flooding, severe weather or other environmental risks, the design should account for these conditions from the beginning of the project.
Next Level Elevators can work with homeowners, architects and builders to determine the appropriate lift configuration and installation requirements for the property.
- Request a free, no-obligation quote and discuss your property’s requirements with the Next Level Elevators team.
- Visit the Sydney showroom to view the Eltec Volare and HLB ranges and explore available finishes.
- Visit the Melbourne showroom to discuss custom finishes, safety features and installation options.
