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No elevator?
No problem.
Modern technology enables
the construction of elevators
in buildings never designed
to accommodate them. When
accessibility is increased,
property value is positively
influenced, particularly in
apartments on a building’s
upper floors.
In the United States, where
cities still grow outward
and residents wish to stay in
suburban homes as they age, it’s
increasingly common to install
elevators in two-story homes.
The new KONE ProSpace™
elevator is ideal for this type of
situation.
“in asia, equipment ages faster
due to frequent starts and
building height.”
in one way or another,” says Marjamaa.
“This is based on what we know about
our own equipment, and then estimat-
ing for the rest of the market.”
Benefits of modernization are many,
with safety and accessibility primary. In
elevators, safety means leveling accura-
cy and a voice link to the service center.
Handrails give support, improved light-
ing and mirrors make it easier to reverse
a wheelchair, and Braille signalization
or audible announcements assist the
visually impaired. Full replacement of an
elevator can increase interior car space
by 50 percent, and wider opening doors
allow entry with walkers.
Reduction of energy consumption
is another benefit. Over time, a new
elevator will save 40 to 50 percent over
the old.
In Europe, more than four million
residential buildings over three stories
exist without elevators. While twenty-
somethings may not object to carrying
groceries up stairs, families with young
children and older people require eleva-
tors.
Beyond modernization there is the
option of installing an elevator in a
building which has never had one. They
may be attached to an outside wall or
placed in a stairwell. Not only acces-
sibility is gained, but the presence of an
elevator adds to property value. n
growing faster than you would expect.
The age curve of equipment is not lin-
ear.” Simply put, we’re not keeping up.
Marjamaa says equipment must be
addressed when it is 20 to 25 years
old, sometimes sooner. “In the Asian
markets, where elevators get more use
due to frequent starts and building
height, equipment ages even faster.”
The need to modernize
According to the European Lift Associa-
tion, 5.2 million elevators and escalators
are in operation just in Europe.
“We estimate that 2.2 million of
those units will require modernization
Read more >
“We estimate
that in Europe
alone, 2.2 million
elevators and
escalators
will require
modernization.”
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