An elevator used to be something you hid behind a door. A glass home elevator turns that idea around. It is meant to be seen, and in the right house it becomes the centrepiece of the room.
Why homeowners choose glass
- Light. Clear walls let daylight pass through, so the elevator does not darken a hall or stairwell.
- Openness. Riders can see out and the room does not feel divided.
- Style. It suits modern interiors and makes a striking contrast in a traditional one.
- The view. In a home overlooking the Hudson or the Adirondack foothills, the ride itself is part of the pleasure.
Styles available
There are two broad kinds. Round and octagonal glass elevators stand in their own glazed enclosure and are often placed in an entry hall or beside an open staircase. Pneumatic elevators use a clear tube and need no pit, which makes them easier to add to a finished house.
Good places for one
- The open centre of a turning staircase
- A two-story foyer or great room
- Beside a gallery or balcony landing
- Against a window wall
Practical points
- Decide who will ride. A wheelchair needs a wider cab and more floor space.
- Think about privacy. A glass cab is visible from the rooms around it.
- Plan for cleaning. Glass shows fingerprints, so easy access for wiping down helps.
- Check the structure. The floor must carry the load, and the stops must line up from one level to the next.
Safety
The clear panels used in residential elevators are made for the purpose, and a glass elevator has the same door locks, emergency lowering and other protections as any other home elevator.
See the options
Nationwide Lifts of New York installs glass and pneumatic elevators in homes around Albany, Glens Falls and Poughkeepsie. Call 888-323-8755 for a free home visit and a written quote.