It could be a novelty addition in the house for Trekkies or, in the more practical sense, for people with disabilities but it’s definite that the Terry Lifts elevator looks like Star Trek’s turbolift. Its uses, however, might not be so much related to science fiction as it would be for those with conditions preventing them from walking up and down the stairs.
Be it disabilities, injuries or simply a matter of old age, there are many situations in which home owners can encounter troubles moving from one floor to the other. Normal stairlifts are a permanent addition that most would not want on their beautiful staircase and home elevators are usually bulky and take a lot of space.
Terry Lifts, a company based in Chesire, England, has come up with a design and technology that fits just perfectly into the corner of the room, able to transport you from one floor to another through the ceiling. It’s not the teleportation most are waiting for, but it’s close enough to our futuristic expectations.
The option has been described as a “high end chair” by Terry Lifts representative, John McSweeney, which occupies much less space and is definitely more aesthetically pleasing. The domestic elevator has been compared to science fiction novelties, such as Star Trek’s turbolift, or even more popularly in England, Doctor Who’s Tardis.
The futuristic addition is certainly not a cheap option, but it reportedly makes up for it in practical uses. The installation process would take from 4 to 5 days, including transportation, building and electrical preparation. It could prove to be precisely what’s needed for anyone with the unfortunate disability of not being able to walk up the stairs.
Otherwise deemed as the Lifestyle Lift, the domestic elevator has a backup battery that will return the user to the ground floor in case they’re caught inside it during a power out. It also features a standard 30 minute fire protection, no matter on which floor it’s stationed at the time.
Concerns regarding safety have also been settled by McSweeney, who has proven that the bottom and upper panel are so sensitive that it will not work if there is any amount of pressure on either end. In fact, the “pinch-point” is of 20 millimeters, so even if something does happen to intervene on either floor while the home lift is moving, it will abruptly stop with virtually no collision.
The unique design has already had 200 units exported to France, China and Australia, and might find its way to many others sometimes in the future. It’s practical, impressive-looking and quite fascinating, if you can afford it.
Image source: dailymail.co.uk
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