The finest homes in Napa, Sonoma and the hills above the valleys are designed around the land. They step down a slope, open onto terraces at several levels and place the wine cellar below ground. An elevator in a house like this is both a practical necessity and an opportunity for design.
What owners want from it
- Easy movement between a cellar, the main floor and the bedroom level
- A comfortable way for older family members and guests to reach every terrace
- A cab that complements the architecture
- Quiet, smooth operation
Design directions
- Concealed. A traditional elevator behind doors that match the home’s millwork, with a cab lined in wood, stone or leather.
- Celebrated. A glass or pneumatic elevator placed in a foyer or beside a staircase, where it becomes a focal point and keeps sightlines open to the view.
- Bespoke. A custom elevator designed with your architect, for a home where nothing is off the shelf.
Serving the cellar
A stop at the cellar level is a frequent request. Tell us early, because it affects the depth of the installation and where the equipment sits.
Planning points
- Involve the elevator company while the architect is still drawing
- Allow for cab size if a wheelchair may be used in future
- Check the route for bringing the equipment onto a hillside site
- Ask about backup power, since rural properties can lose electricity during storms and fire-season shutoffs
Complementary equipment
A dumbwaiter between the kitchen, the cellar and an outdoor dining terrace is a natural partner, and it spares staff and hosts a great many trips on the stairs.
For existing estates
Adding an elevator to a finished home is entirely feasible. A pneumatic elevator, which needs no pit or machine room, is often the least invasive route.
Begin with a conversation
Nationwide Lifts of Northern California works with owners, architects and builders throughout the region. Call 888-323-8755 for a free consultation.