Hidden Lifts

Our hidden lifts offer discreet and innovative solutions to what can be difficult access problems. Our space saving design takes up less than 1/8th of the space of a Part M complaint ramp for a 500mm rise. 

Our hidden platform lifts take up half the space of a traditional platform lift with no requirement for platform or landing gates. The platform can be accessed by any of the 3 sides on the lower landing making it easier to manoeuvre in a wheelchair. 

Our traversing lifts are used in a number of sectors with an emphasise in historic buildings as well as the retail and hospitality sector. Historic buildings and buildings of significant importance require designs that are sympathetic to the existing structure and this is where our hidden lifts are perfect; offering discreet design but state of the art functionality to allow visitors to move easily and independently around the site.  Hospitality is a fast moving sector where every available space is used to maximise a business’ potential. That’s why the space-saving design of our hidden wheelchair lifts is perfect. With no platform or landing gates required there is minimal impact on any of the surrounding space. In addition with no gates this reduces the time spent on the platform therefore the user can go about their visit as quickly as possible. 

Hidden Traversing Lift at 200 Grays Inn Road
Hidden Lift at Lincoln Cathedral

Invisible platform lift at the Devonshire Club, Devonshire Square, London
Hidden step lift at Il Borro Tuscan Bistro in Mayfair, London

Benefits to Users

Easy to Use: Our hidden lifts come with remote controls making them incredibly easy to use, this can be in the form of a key fob for home use or even a remote control at the front desk of a commercial office.

No Gates: Our traversing lifts pictured above don't require gates therefore don't require difficult manoeuvres to get onto the platform making the process of getting from one floor to another simpler and easier.

Access on All Sides: When the lift is on the lower floor the roll off protection drops into the floor so there are no sides therefore the lift can be boarded and disembarked from any direction. This helps in tight spaces where traditional lifts simply won't fit.

Quick: Being able to board from all sides and having a lift with no gates make travelling between the two floor levels quick.

 

Benefits to Architects

Sleek Design: The lift can be finished with the same flooring as the rest of the floor whether that's tiles, composite flooring or even a teak deck. The lift blends seamlessly with its surroundings. 

Spacing Saving: With no gates and no outer frame the overall footprint of the lift is considerably less compared to traditional platform lifts, great for restaurants and retail where space is at a premium. Less space taken up by the lift means more space for restaurant covers or for shop stands.

Hidden: It might seem obvious but having a lift that recedes into the ground helps architectural design by not disrupting lines of sight making spaces more pleasing on the eye.

Quick Installation: Our hidden lifts only require a pit and a power supply so it really is plug and play, most installations of our hidden lifts take 1-2 days.

 

Hidden Platform Lift with Hand Made Tiles
Discreet platform lift at Broadwalk House in Exeter

 

Hidden Access Lift in the National Trust Shop in Sissinghurst Castle Garden
Hidden cantilever lift at 12-16 Laystall Street
Our hidden platform lift offers an alternative to traditional Part M compliant ramps
External hidden step lift at the Devonshire Club in the City of London
Outside Invisible Wheelchair Lift in the Devonshire Club's garden
Discreet Platform Lift in the Winter Garden at the Devonshire Club
Hidden Stairwell Lift at 24 Chiswell Street
Hidden Step Lift at 24 Chiswell Street
Hidden Stairlift at 24 Chiswell Street

Sometimes there really isn't enough space for a disabled access solution and a stairwell. This can cause issues for architects and designers, especially in existing buildings where complete floor redesign would be incredibly costly. In order to tackle this issue we offer a range of "collapsable" steps or stairwells. They blend into their surrounding area and we can even use the same existing materials so you wouldn't realise a lift was even there. The hidden lift above was installed at 24 Chiswell Street in London and was finished with the same tiling in order to create two symmetrical stairways. Without previous knowledge you wouldn't know the lift was there! 

Hidden Wheelchair Lift on Speedboat
Marine Hidden Platform Lift
Speedboat with a hidden platform lift at the front
The boat features a ramp which turns into a set of 3 steps at a push of a button
This rib features a marine platform lift at the front

Applications for hidden lifts also stretch to offshore uses. We've created a number of bespoke solutions for several different types of boats. We had the pleasure of creating and installing a hidden platform lift on the Royal Barge - Gloriana for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012. On the day of the jubilee the boat was used by members of the Help For Heroes charity. We've also undertaken a number of projects for private clients ranging from motor-yachts to ribs. The photos above are of a hidden lift that allows the user to get from the quayside onto their boat and vice versa. In addition it allows supplies and heavy goods to be transported onto the boat easily.

To find out more about our hidden lifts call us on 0800 65 252 65 or email us by clicking here