ᐅ Elevator in a Single-Family Home – Is Concern About Excessive Air Draft Justified?

Created on: 25 Jul 2023 09:29
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bwollowb
We are planning to install an elevator in our new single-family house. However, from my experience at work, strong winds can cause drafts through the elevator shaft, which naturally creates a whistling noise. I am now concerned that we might have the same issue in our future home. Is this worry justified? Can anyone share their insights? Thank you!
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Sunshine387
26 Jul 2023 20:51
Quick question: Isn’t having an additional door in front of an elevator mandatory? Especially for penthouses, this is considered a construction defect because fire can spread very quickly in case of an emergency. I wouldn’t build without an extra door in front of the elevator.
rick201826 Jul 2023 23:22
Short answer: no.
It depends on the doors and the overall fire protection measures. Take a look at hospitals, for example. There is no additional door in front. Even in penthouses, it is not a fire door but rather an aesthetic feature.
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bwollowb
27 Jul 2023 09:08
rick2018 schrieb:

Do I understand correctly that the stairwell is wide enough to access either the stairs or the elevator at ground level?
You would have 3 stops and need an elevator with doors on both sides.
I would program it to return to the ground floor when not in use. You always have to pass through there when coming from or going to the garage.
That is also the most vulnerable area concerning break-ins (from the garage into the house).
Or do you have an additional door there? Still, the elevator must have access control.
Manufacturers have different dimensions for the shaft, etc. This has to be adjusted accordingly.
But at least something is already planned. It’s practical that you could also ventilate through the roof.
Emergency call; mirror, emergency key, etc., are required for the inspection and commissioning. What you do afterward is your decision. But only if nothing is rented out.
As soon as cleaning staff or others use the elevator, all requirements must remain fulfilled. Otherwise, you are liable for damages.

The elevator is rotated 90° relative to the stairs. For better clarity, I have drawn the doors into the section view and added the individual floors. The elevator does not have doors on both sides or a door to the garage. I agree with you, that would be far too risky in terms of break-ins.
Floor plan of a building with vestibule, elevator, restroom, cloakroom, corridor, and garage

Floor plan of a building: storage, corridor, hobby room, restroom, laundry room, elevator, and fireplace.

Floor plan of a residential house: room 1, bathroom 1, restroom, dressing room, corridor, elevator.

Section drawing of a multi-story house with basement, ground floor, upper floor, attic, stairs, and garage.
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hanghaus2023
27 Jul 2023 12:19
You are building a unique house, and then you only show us partial views. That's a shame.
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bwollowb
27 Jul 2023 13:54
hanghaus2023 schrieb:

You’re building a unique house and then only show us snippets. That’s a shame.
Sorry, it wasn’t my intention to keep anything from you 🙂 I am attaching my drawings here instead of the preliminary submission plan like above, since I’m not sure if I’m allowed to share that legally...
Floor plan of a house with kitchen, dining area, living room, staircase, and garage.

Floor plan of a building with several rooms, stairwell, and workshop; blue walls on grid.

Architectural floor plan of a house with multiple rooms, furniture, doors, and dimensions.
rick201827 Jul 2023 15:12
That makes it quite simple. When it comes to positioning, I wouldn’t worry about drafts or anything like that.