5 Specialised Passenger Lift Solutions for Complex Projects

Integrating a modern passenger lift into a building that wasn’t designed for vertical transport requires a delicate touch. A standard lift just doesn’t cut it when you’re working on a heritage site or installing a scenic glass lift in a central stairwell.

In these kinds of situations, you need a creative shift in the thought process – so you’re looking at the lift not just as machinery, but as a bespoke component of your interior design. In this blog post we look at 5 types of passenger lifts we use when creating bespoke solutions.

At Tower Lifts, we specialise in bridging the gap between accessibility and architectural beauty. We take on complex, design-led installations where “off-the-shelf” isn’t good enough. With over a decade of experience in bespoke scenic and heritage lifts, our team knows all about navigating the challenges of installing elevators in demanding environments.

Beyond the Standard Shaft – Specialised Passenger Lifts

We take the approach that, if you have the space for a user, you have the space for a lift. It is simply a matter of selecting the right mechanics. To help you identify the best fit for your project, we have broken down the five specialised passenger lift types that solve the most common architectural headaches:

  • The Low Pit Lift – Solving the “no excavation” problem.
  • The Scenic Lift – Solving the “visual impact” problem.
  • The Firefighting Lift – Solving the “evacuation” problem.
  • The Heritage Lift – Solving the “conservation” problem.
  • The Heavy Duty Lift – Solving the “weight capacity” problem.

1. The Retrofit – Low Pit Lifts

Installing a lift in an older property often feels like a battle against the building itself. You might be dealing with solid concrete slabs, underfloor services, or cellars that can’t be disturbed. A traditional lift shaft just won’t fit.

We use specialised low pit passenger lifts designed specifically for environments with minimal space for excavation. Whether it’s a shallow pit (starting from 200mm) or a restricted headroom (low ceilings on the top floor), we can configure the car size to maximise the internal cabin space despite the tight shaft dimensions.

1. The Retrofit - Low Pit Lifts

This solution is perfect for retail outlets, older office blocks, and residential conversions where structural alterations are strictly limited.

2. The Scenic Structure Lift

In many period properties or open-plan offices, building a masonry lift shaft is impossible. The building may not have the load-bearing walls to support it, or perhaps building a solid block shaft would destroy the flow of light through a central stairwell.

2. The Scenic Structure Lift

Instead of relying on the building’s walls, we utilise a glass lift with self-supporting glazed structure. These lifts come with their own steel framework. This structure bears the load of the lift mechanism itself, meaning we can install it almost anywhere – up the centre of a winding staircase, in a mezzanine void, or even attached to the exterior façade.

You get the benefit of a memorable architectural feature without needing the heavy construction work. Because the structure is self-contained, it removes the need for blockwork or cladding.

3. The Dedicated Firefighting Lift

One of the questions we regularly get asked is, “My lift has fire-rated doors – does that make it a firefighting lift?” Our answer is usually no. A fire-rated door stops flames entering the shaft, but it doesn’t mean the lift can be used during an emergency.

A BS EN81-72 Firefighter Lift is a completely different type of lift. It is designed to operate in extreme conditions. It includes “break-glass” controls for fire crews, waterproofing to preventing short-circuits from fire hoses, and reinforced structural components.

The great thing about these lifts is that they are dual purpose. For 99% of its life, a firefighting lift acts as a passenger lift or goods lift. But the moment an emergency strikes, it switches mode to become a vital piece of life-saving infrastructure. We specialise in installing firefighting lifts so you remain compliant without having to waste floor space on a “service-only” shaft.

4. Bespoke Lifts for Listed Buildings

Nothing ruins the atmosphere of a Georgian townhouse or a Victorian hotel better than a stainless-steel lift door. Standard lifts look like “machinery,” which clashes horribly with period architecture.

For the Tower Lifts team, a heritage lift is an exercise in creative camouflage. We treat the lift as a piece of bespoke furniture rather than an appliance. We can powder-coat the shaft to match existing wrought iron railings, clad the cabin in period-appropriate timber, or use vintage-style fixtures.

We don’t ask the building to adapt to the lift. We listen to the needs of our client and then create a lift that either disappears from view or highlights the beauty of the original architecture without obscuring it The technology remains invisible, so the history remains the focus.

5. The “Furniture & Freight” Passenger Lift

In luxury residential blocks or hotels, the “service lift” needs to transport everything from grand pianos to room service trolleys, but it must also be comfortable enough for passengers to use during peak times. A ‘goods lift’ won’t do.

We design Large Capacity Passenger Lifts that hide their strength. Behind the scenes, the mechanics are heavy-duty – capable of lifting 13 to 26 people – but the interior finish can mirror the reception area.

By increasing the cabin depth and door width, we ensure that large items fit easily, preventing damage to the lift doors and reducing the frustration of “wedging” items in. It’s a logistical solution that looks and feels like a high-end passenger experience.

The 5 Types of Passenger Lifts Designed for Buildings With Constraints

A passenger lift is a long-term investment in the value of your property. Whether you choose a scenic lift to add a “wow factor” or a firefighting lift to guarantee compliance, the Tower Lifts goal is always seamless integration. We believe that the best lift is the one that feels like it was always meant to be there – regardless of the structural hurdles we’ve had to overcome to install it.

Our quality framework, certified to ISO 9001:2015, ensures a reliable and transparent service from first contact to final commissioning. We protect your project and people by rigorously applying ISO 45001 health and safety standards on every site. As a LEIA member and a Constructionline Gold approved supplier, our credentials affirm our commitment to excellence, giving you complete confidence in our ability to deliver.

Let’s find the right fit for your building. Contact Tower Lifts today to schedule a professional site survey. We’ll assess your pit, headroom, and traffic flow to recommend the passenger lift configuration your project needs – 01525 601099

Tower Lifts London lift team can design and install a varied range of lifts throughout the UK including:

Domestic Lifts • Food Lifts • Bespoke Platform Lifts • Service Lifts • Platform Lifts • Goods Lifts • Scenic Lifts • Heavy Duty / Car Lifts • Passenger Lifts • Dumbwaiter Lifts • MRL Lifts • Fire lifts • Residential Lifts • low-Headroom Lifts