Discreet Accessibility in Mayfair
Historic properties in cities like London often struggle to implement modern accessibility solutions without violating strict architectural preservation rules or facing planning refusal.
In Mayfair, Lyfthaus installed a stone-set platform lift with frameless glass barriers and a 90-degree configuration, seamlessly integrating the upper gate into the existing balustrade.
The church successfully achieved full disabled access with a lift that maintains the site’s prestigious aesthetic, reinforcing Lyfthaus’s record of zero planning consent refusals.
Providing inclusive access to historic places of worship requires a delicate touch and a deep respect for original architecture. We specialise in creating super discreet lightwell basement platform lifts that serve both disabled persons and goods without altering the visual character of the street.
This particular project took us to Mayfair, a prestigious part of London, where we were tasked with installing a vertical transport solution for a popular local church.
The challenge involved creating an entry point that met modern accessibility standards within a highly sensitive urban environment. Traditional lift structures often clash with the ornate ironwork and stonework common in Victorian and Georgian architecture. In Mayfair, planning requirements are exceptionally strict, meaning any installation had to be virtually unnoticeable to passers-by while still being robust enough for regular use.
Our team developed a custom lightwell lift that blends perfectly into the church’s exterior. We adapted the existing upper-level balustrade into a seamless interlocked gate, ensuring the safety boundary looks identical to the original railings when not in use.
To further disguise the lift, we installed a stone set platform to match the surrounding paving and used frameless glass barriers to maintain clear sightlines. The platform was also designed with a 90-degree configuration to navigate the specific layout of the basement entrance.
The final result is a high-performance accessibility solution that has completely preserved the church’s historic aesthetic. By delivering a design that is both functional and nearly invisible, we ensured the project met all heritage and planning criteria. This successful installation adds to our long history of working in historic boroughs across the UK, where our discreet designs have a track record of being accepted by planning authorities without issue.
Lift Solutions Used
Platform Lift
Lightwell Lift
Product Highlight
We are proud to have installed our bespoke lightwell lifts in some of the most iconic and beautiful contemporary and heritage buildings across Britain.
