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Understanding the Compact Design and Flexibility of Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators
As more homeowners look to maintain independence and access to their entire living space as they age, the question of residential elevators becomes increasingly important.
One of the most common concerns we hear from homeowners considering this life-changing addition is: “How much space do I need for a home elevator in my cherished home?”
The answer depends significantly on the type of elevator you choose—but if preserving your living space is important or you want to avoid extensive modifications to your beloved home, a pneumatic vacuum elevator (PVE) offers the perfect solution.
Table of Contents
- Understanding the Compact Design and Flexibility of Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators
- Understanding Residential Elevator Space Requirements
- Why Pneumatic Elevators Preserve More of Your Cherished Living Space
- Where Can a Pneumatic Elevator Help You Maintain Home Access?
- Planning for Lifelong Home Access
- Preserve Your Independence Without Sacrificing Your Home’s Character
Let’s explore how these innovative systems can help you maintain complete access to every floor while requiring minimal space sacrifice.
Understanding Residential Elevator Space Requirements
Before choosing an elevator that will help you age in place gracefully, it’s essential to understand how different elevator types impact your home’s footprint.
Traditional home elevators typically require:
- 1. A shaft or hoistway to enclose the cab
- 2. A pit beneath the elevator for safety clearance
- 3. A machine room to house motors and controls
These components can consume significant square footage of your cherished home, and integrating them into an existing structure often involves extensive construction that disrupts the character and flow of your living space.
In contrast, shaftless pneumatic elevators represent a revolutionary approach to home accessibility. With no need for a shaft, pit, or machine room, they dramatically reduce the spatial impact while providing the same life-changing mobility benefits.
Why Pneumatic Elevators Preserve More of Your Cherished Living Space
If maintaining the integrity of your home while ensuring complete accessibility is your priority, pneumatic elevators are specifically engineered to achieve both goals simultaneously. Here’s what makes them ideal:
Minimal Footprint Maintains Your Living Area
The smallest model, the PVE30, requires only a 32-inch diameter—making it the world’s smallest fully certified home elevator.
Even larger models designed for wheelchair accessibility maintain a remarkably compact profile compared to traditional alternatives.
This means you can preserve more of the home you’ve loved for years while gaining complete floor-to-floor access.
No Structural Modifications Preserve Your Home’s Character
Because pneumatic elevators operate using air pressure rather than mechanical systems, there’s no need for pits beneath your foundation or machine rooms that consume valuable living space. This allows installation with minimal disruption to your home’s structural integrity and architectural character.
4 Models To Choose From
Are you looking for an in-home elevator? Simply pick your favorite below to learn more.
PVE30 - Home Elevator
Single Passenger Residential Elevator
Space-Saving Solution
Exterior Diameter
30 Inches
(750 millimeters)
Maximum Weight
350 Pounds
Rated: 1 Person
Per Use
PVE37 - Home Elevator
Two Passenger Residential Elevator
Flexible & Dynamic Lift
Exterior Diameter
37 Inches
(933 millimeters)
Maximum Weight
450 Pounds
Rated: 2 People
Per Use
PVE52 - Home Elevator
Three Passenger Residential Elevator
Wheelchair Accessible Lift
Exterior Diameter
52 - 11/16 Inches
(1,316 millimeters)
Maximum Weight
525 Pounds
Rated: 3 People
Per Use
The Cube - Home Lift
Two Passenger Residential Elevator
Affordable Alternative To Stairs
Exterior Diameter
52 - 11/16 Inches
(1,316 millimeters)
Maximum Weight
450 Pounds
Rated: 2 People
Per Use
Installation Without Major Renovation
All PVE models are designed to be brought into your home in modular pieces that fit through standard doorways, making installation possible with minimal disruption to your daily life.
Typically traditional elevators can require weeks or months of construction, pneumatic systems typically install in just 2-3 days, reducing the emotional and practical strain of home modifications.
Self-Supporting Design Offers Placement Flexibility
PVE elevators feature a self-supporting tube structure that doesn’t rely on your home’s walls for stability.
Their transparent, cylindrical form not only takes up less space but can enhance your home’s interior aesthetic while providing the life-changing accessibility you need.
Where Can a Pneumatic Elevator Help You Maintain Home Access?
Thanks to their compact design and installation flexibility, pneumatic elevators can be integrated into nearly any multi-level home, helping you maintain access to:
Through-Floor Installation
Install directly between two floors by creating a simple opening—ideal for homes without large stairwells or open areas. This approach preserves maximum living space while creating a direct path between floors.
Adjacent to Stairs or Landings
Place the elevator next to existing staircases, mezzanines, or landings to complement rather than replace your home’s original circulation patterns. This allows family members to choose between stairs or elevator based on their needs on any given day.
As a Feature in Open Living Spaces
Because PVEs are self-supporting and visually appealing, they can be installed as a functional design element in open areas such as living rooms or entryways. Their transparent design prevents the closed-in feeling that traditional elevator shafts can create.
Planning for Lifelong Home Access
Even though pneumatic elevators require minimal space, thoughtful planning ensures they provide maximum benefit for your aging-in-place needs:
Assess Your Long-Term Accessibility Needs
Consider how your mobility needs might evolve. While you may be able to manage stairs today, installing a compact elevator proactively ensures your home remains fully accessible regardless of future health changes or mobility challenges.
Identify Strategic Placement for Maximum Benefit
Work with our accessibility specialists to determine the optimal location that balances space efficiency with convenient access to the most important areas of your home. Ideal placement ensures you’ll use your elevator regularly rather than struggling with stairs out of habit.
Future-Proof Your Home Investment
Installing a space-efficient elevator not only helps you age in place but can significantly enhance your home’s value. As America’s population ages, homes with existing accessibility features are increasingly desirable in the real estate market.
Preserve Your Independence Without Sacrificing Your Home’s Character
If you’re concerned about the space needed for a home elevator, pneumatic vacuum elevators offer the perfect balance—providing life-changing accessibility while respecting your home’s existing layout and character.
With no shaft, pit, or machine room required, you gain the ability to access every floor while maintaining the integrity of the home you’ve loved for years.
Our specialized team understands that your home holds both physical and emotional significance.
We’ll work with you to identify the perfect elevator location that enhances accessibility without compromising the living spaces where you’ve created decades of memories.
Contact us today for a complimentary home assessment to discover how a compact pneumatic elevator can help you maintain complete access to every floor of your cherished home—without sacrificing the space or character that makes it uniquely yours.
