How a New Zealand getaway sparked an innovative renovation (Northamptonshire)
Overview
Over two decades after this Towcester couple had overseen the design and build of their own home, they took a trip to Christchurch, New Zealand. Here, they experienced amazing views of the bay from an external glass elevator at the home they were staying in. In that holiday moment, an idea began to crystallise that what they hadn’t contemplated for their own home back in 1999 would make a huge difference to their property – opening up possibilities for guests, their elderly parents and themselves.
Realising that an external lift wasn’t possible in the cooler, wetter climate of the UK, they went back to the drawing board, adding a glazed double height extension to the rear of the property – a standout feature which made it feel like the lift wasn’t an afterthought, but rather a well-conceived design concept that created ease of access to the first floor balcony.
Realising their vision
A recommendation from their contractor who had worked with Gartec on another project in Buckinghamshire led the owners to contact the team. Impressed with the knowledge provided by the initial contact, they visited the Gartec showroom in Aylesbury where they saw the Aritco HomeLift and decided it was the right model for their project.
The contemporary style of the Aritco HomeLift with its warm lighting and option of clear glass panels meant they could replicate their New Zealand experience indoors, optimising the views from the extension and bringing a feeling of the outdoors into their home. An impressive feature, with a white design wall and anthracite grey shell, the self-contained lift elevates the space adding a sense of drama and flow while simultaneously blending into the surroundings.
Unexpected benefits
While the owners had no immediate need for a lift, they have derived huge benefits from its installation. Their elderly parents can be independent when they come to stay, guests no longer have to drag their heavy luggage up the steep stairs and they have the satisfaction of knowing that they have futureproofed their home, maximising the time that can spend in the house.
Matthew Akerman, Gartec Home Sales Director, said: “At the time this couple built their own home, home lifts were quite rare. Today, we are seeing their inclusion in building projects more frequently and they mean people can reap the benefits of their property investment as they allow them to live in their dream homes well into their later years.
“The beauty of this project is the innovative way in which the owners were able to achieve their vision through an extension to their home, demonstrating the possibilities of a home lift for both pre and post build renovations.”
Specification
Lift: Aritco HomeLift
Bespoke features: Fully glazed lift with a mix of standard large and bespoke size panels, complete lift finished in anthracite grey
Technical details: Platform size 1100×1400 (S15), Sand Bolon vinyl flooring, white DesignWall, automatic double doors, Autodialler connected via a GSM.
Reasons for purchase: Home upgrade and futureproofing
