What Are The Minimum Space Requirements for A Residential Elevator?
Residential elevators typically have a load capacity of 250–400 kg, which can satisfy 3 to 5 people at the same time, and the installation space is usually 1㎡ to 2.5㎡ (11ft² – 25 ft²), which is a spatial range that can cover the needs of mainstream residential elevators.
Among them:
- Very small screw elevators (such as a single-person standing type) can be installed in a space of less than 1㎡;
- The most common 3-person elevators usually require 1㎡ to 1.5㎡ of space;
- while elevators designed for 4- to 5-person accessibility require about 2.5㎡ of installation space.
5 Factors That Affect Residential Elevator Size
1. Residential Elevator Type
Residential elevators can be divided into three types according to the drive: MRL traction elevators, hydraulic elevators, and screw-driven elevators.
Different types of elevators have different structures and take up different amounts of space.
The following are the main differences between the three:
Screw Elevator
- Minimum shaft size: 800mm x 800mm
- Features: Compact, lower pit, and top floor height requirements, ideal for homes with limited space.
MRL Traction Elevator
- Minimum shaft size: 1000mm x 1000mm
- Features: Smooth operation and high loading capacity, but high civil construction requirements, most of which require separate pit area and top floor space.
Hydraulic Elevator
- Minimum shaft size: 1100mm x 1400mm
- Features: Low requirement for top floor height, but need extra space for hydraulic station.
Under the same load requirement, a screw elevator needs less space, if your family has limited space, a screw elevator is usually the best choice.
2. Load Capacity
The load capacity of residential elevators is usually divided into three specifications: 250kg (3 persons), 320kg (4 persons) and 400kg (5 persons). The larger the load capacity, the more space is required in the car.
3. Items to Be Transported
If your residential elevator will be used to transport large items such as wheelchairs or even medical beds, you need to reserve more space to ensure safe and comfortable use.
4. Number of Floors
For elevators with a shaft, the height of the shaft needs to be increased accordingly for each additional floor.
5. Door Opening Method
Center-split doors (space-saving) require a smaller shaft than side-split doors.
How to Save Space When Installing A Residential Elevator?
Reasonable Planning of Shaft Size
Before elevator installation, it is recommended to communicate with a professional elevator manufacturer for precise measurement and planning. If the space is extremely compact, you can consider adding a steel shaft externally.
Determine the Optimal Installation Location
Staircase hollow: A popular installation location that saves space and does not affect the home layout.
Corner Installation: Ideal for house types without hollow staircases.
External Shaft Solution: When indoor space is limited, installing the elevator in an external shaft is an effective alternative that avoids major changes to the interior.
Meet Safety and Regulatory Requirements
Some areas require a 5cm~10cm gap around the shaft (consult local standards for details).
Dazen: Customize Your Residential Elevator
Custom residential elevators are ideal for enhancing your quality of life. You can choose the elevator size, color scheme, and interior to perfectly fit your home’s style, and Dazen Elevator will create a unique home experience for you, so contact us today!