Where panoramic lifts make sense
A glazed lift is specified when the movement itself is part of the design — an open atrium, a villa stairwell, a car showroom, a hotel lobby. It is not a cost-saving choice: glass build-ups, structural frames and cabin cooling add design work. The benefit is visual, and the risk is thermal and structural rather than mechanical.
Design decisions that must be made early
| Decision | What it affects |
|---|---|
| Which surfaces are glazed | Car walls only, shaft only, or both — determines the frame and counterweight position |
| Glass build-up | Laminated safety glass specification, thickness, weight budget and fixing detail |
| Structural frame | Self-supporting frame vs building shaft; load path and deflection limits |
| Solar / heat load | Cabin ventilation, air conditioning and controller cabinet ventilation in hot climates |
| Finish schedule | Metal trim, handrail, ceiling lighting and floor stone coordinated with the interior designer |
For Gulf projects, the heat-load question is not cosmetic — a glass shaft in direct sun raises cabin and equipment temperatures. See the Gulf region configuration notes.
Cabin interior coordination
Panoramic projects almost always involve a bespoke cabin: the visible frame, handrail, ceiling, floor and trim are chosen with the architect. We issue a finish schedule with a code per crate so the correct kit is matched to the correct unit on site. See cabin interiors and finishes.