What defines a villa / home lift
A villa lift differs from a commercial passenger lift in three ways: it is fitted into a private building where shaft dimensions are often fixed by the architect, it runs at low speed with a strong emphasis on noise and ride comfort, and its cabin is a visible part of the interior design. That makes the drawing stage and the finish schedule more important than the raw performance figures.
We treat the shaft as the starting point. Once the clear width/depth, pit depth, overhead height and door openings are measured, the car size, counterweight arrangement and door type follow mechanically. Guessing these values is the most common cause of a lift that cannot be installed on site.
Planning parameters
| Parameter | Indicative planning range | Confirmed by |
|---|---|---|
| Rated load | 250 / 320 / 400 kg | Approved GA drawing |
| Speed | 0.3–0.4 m/s | Drive selection and local requirements |
| Stops / openings | 2–5, single or opposite openings | Building layout |
| Shaft structure | Concrete / masonry shaft, or self-supporting aluminium or steel frame | Structural survey |
| Pit depth | Standard pit or shallow-pit arrangement | GA drawing and safety component selection |
| Power | 1-phase 220–240 V / 50 Hz or 3-phase 380 / 415 / 480 V | Power-supply confirmation sheet |
| Cabin finish | Stainless steel, wood veneer, laminate, glass, mirror, stone/composite floor | Finish schedule with crate codes |
These are planning ranges, not a fixed product specification. Binding values are issued in the signed technical agreement.
Choosing between drive types
Gearless traction is the default for most villa projects: it is quiet, energy-efficient and does not need a machine room. Hydraulic and screw-drive arrangements can make sense where the shaft geometry or the available electrical supply is unusual. The full comparison is on the MRL vs hydraulic home lift page.
Power supply in export markets
A villa lift's controller, drive and motor must match the destination grid. Gulf projects commonly use 415 V / 50 Hz or 380 V / 50 Hz three-phase; some markets use 480 V / 60 Hz. A 480 V / 60 Hz unit cannot simply be connected to a 380 V / 50 Hz supply — motor speed, thermal behaviour and control logic all change. See the lift power supply and voltage guide for the exact checks and the 480 V → 380 V conversion case.
Cabin customisation
The cabin is usually the part the homeowner sees every day. Wall panels, handrails, flooring, ceiling, mirror, skirting and fixtures are selected on a finish schedule, and each kit is coded to the elevator unit it belongs to — essential when several lifts ship in one container. See cabin interiors and finishes.
What we need to quote a home lift
- Shaft clear width × depth, pit depth and overhead height (or architect's drawings).
- Number of stops, travel height and door opening direction.
- Local supply: voltage, phase count, frequency and earthing arrangement.
- Preferred cabin finish and any interior design references.
- Destination country and port, plus quantity if more than one unit.
Read the full home lift buying guide → · Request a quotation →