Conservation & Heritage Issue 50 Winter 2025/Spring 2026 - Flipbook - Page 16
Working alongside Sir Robert McAlpine Special Projects,
SVM Associates and other specialist partners, Stannah
Lifts designed two bespoke lift solutions that fit within the
tower’s original ventilation shaft—a space that hadn’t been
accessed since Victorian times. Not only did the teams have
to contend with very restricted space and limit any intrusion
into the fabric of the building, but the whole tower has a
slight lean of 0.23 degrees to the north-west. This means that
the top of the tower is out of alignment by 0.22m, a crucial
consideration for the design team who have had to work with
millimetre clearances.
Lifts conducted wind load calculations and recommended
securing the lift to prevent movement. Signal issues inside
the shaft were resolved with a GSM package and antenna,
ensuring reliable operation. The lift fully meets DDA
standards, offering illuminated push buttons and step-free
access to the platform, while preserving the historical feel of
the building.
This project stands out for its careful balance between
heritage preservation and modern functionality. Visitors
now experience a piece of local history in a completely
transformed space, travelling in a lift that is as much a design
statement as it is a practical solution.
Built within an 11.7m2 ventilation shaft space, a bespoke
energy-efficient, gearless, traction drive passenger lift was
built. The lift is contained within its own structural skeleton
to minimise any penetrations to the historic fabric of the
building. The physical constraints of the tower mean that the
main lift stops two floors below the Belfry. From here, along
a narrow corridor, neatly tucked into incredibly limited
space, a smaller 500kg hydraulic lift platform that services
the final 4295mm, between the last two floors and provides
lift access to the Belfry.
Improving accessibility in heritage buildings
From Victorian structures to medieval cathedrals, Stannah
Lifts’ extensive work shows that heritage conservation and
modern accessibility can go hand in hand. With carefully
tailored and bespoke lift solutions, Stannah Lifts enhances
historic character, making cherished buildings safer and
more inclusive to all visitors.
With 150 years of Stannah heritage, Stannah Lifts can truly
help with any access requirement.
The result of this incredibly complex and challenging project
is an energy-efficient and precisely engineered lift system that
will make the work of the clock engineers significantly easier
– all while preserving the historic environment of the clock
tower.
For more information on lift solutions for listed buildings,
visit: www.stannahlifts.co.uk/market-sectors/heritage
Elizabeth Tower has received the RIBA London Award, the
RIBA National Award, the Project of the Year Award by
Elevator World and has previously been shortlisted in the
Building Awards and RIBA’s Stirling Prize.
Blending old and new to improve accessibility at
Castle Cary
At the heart of Castle Cary railway station, the reimagined
Creamery is a stunning example of heritage meeting
contemporary design. Once a large dairy processing local
farmers’ milk into cheese before transporting it to London,
the Creamery has been fully reconstructed by Ken Biggs
Contractors to blend its 1912 charm with modern elements.
Today, it thrives as a vibrant community hub, featuring a
restaurant and shop that celebrate its cheesemaking heritage.
A central feature of the restoration is the bespoke all-glass
passenger lift installed by Stannah Lifts and designed in
collaboration with architects, Stonewood Design. What
makes this lift truly unique is how it combines modern
elements with the building’s early 20th-century character.
Bespoke German glass from Gemtec was carefully integrated
into the lift shaft and car, with engineers visiting Germany
to ensure every panel would fit perfectly, minimising onsite
modifications. Handrails were discreetly integrated into the
glass without corner trims, and the keyhole for operating
the doors was repositioned to align with the minimalist
aesthetic, all contributing to a seamless and elegant design.
Above, The Creamery
The project’s vision and unique requirements set by the
client required an innovative solution. The structure
wasn’t anchored to the original brickwork, so Stannah
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