The lift industry is rapidly evolving in step with modern architecture. Today’s lift design blends cutting-edge technology and sustainability to make elevators more than just people-movers. Lifts are now being transformed into smart, eco-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing components of modern buildings. In the UK, this means high-tech, energy-efficient elevators that meet strict safety and carbon-reduction goals. Below we look at three trends shaping UK lift design for residential, commercial and mixed-use projects
Smart Lift Technology and Connected Elevator Systems
Modern lifts leverage digital technology for smoother, safer rides. IoT-enabled controls and AI-driven software allow lifts to self-monitor performance. Sensors and cloud connectivity can give building managers real-time data for predictive maintenance, fixing issues before breakdowns occur.
For example, touchless call panels and destination-control apps (where passengers enter their floor on a touchscreen) are becoming common in UK offices. These systems intelligently group riders by destination, cutting wait and travel times in tall blocks. By assigning passengers to specific cars, destination-control lifts optimise lift operation and reduce congestion.
Industry experts predict that touchless controls, mobile apps and AI scheduling will be standard features soon. In short, smart connectivity in lift design enhances efficiency and the passenger experience, a must for modern London office towers or mixed-use buildings.
Energy Efficient Lift Design and Modern Drive Technology
Sustainability is a key focus in UK building design, and lifts are no exception. One of the biggest and most practical energy savings comes from replacing older lift drives with modern variable frequency drives (VFDs). These allow the lift motor to operate more efficiently by adjusting its speed and torque to match the actual load, cutting unnecessary energy use. VFD technology is also used for door motors, delivering further efficiency gains.
While regenerative drives, which recover energy during braking and feed it back into the building’s power supply, can also reduce consumption, in many scenarios VFD upgrades provide a greater, more cost-effective impact. Additional measures such as LED lighting and standby modes further improve efficiency, ensuring lifts use minimal power when idle.
With UK regulations and net-zero targets in sharp focus, demand for greener lift solutions is growing. Architects and developers increasingly expect lift systems to enhance a building’s environmental credentials, not compromise them.
Space Saving Lift Designs and Customisable Lift Interiors
Today’s lifts can be high on design flair and space efficiency. Machine-room-less (MRL) lifts, for example, eliminate the separate engine room by fitting all machinery in the shaft. This compact design frees up valuable floor space, which is particularly valuable in dense UK cities where every square metre counts.
On the interior and exterior, lifts are sometimes treated as design features. Modern lift cabs can be fully customisable: floor-to-ceiling glass, high-end materials or dynamic LED lighting can turn the ride into an experience. In tall residential or hotel buildings with a view, such as a London skyline, glass panoramic lifts become moving observation decks. Inside, interactive touch-screens or even art displays can engage riders. Accessibility is also built in as a design element: larger cabins, Braille/tactile buttons, audio announcements and level floors are now standard to meet UK regulations.
A great example of combining modern lift design with architectural integration can be seen in our London lift refurbishment project in North Audley Street, where space constraints, efficiency improvements and bespoke aesthetics were all achieved in one installation.
Innovations in lift design are making UK buildings smarter, greener and more user-friendly. By integrating IoT controls, variable frequency drive systems and bespoke interiors, modern lifts do far more than move people, they enhance the entire building experience.
For any construction or renovation project, expert guidance is key. Our independent lift consultants at ILECS can help specify and implement the latest lift design solutions that fit your project’s needs. From new installations to modernisation, we provide impartial advice on technical, regulatory and budgetary challenges. Contact our team to learn how cutting-edge lift design can elevate your next project.