An elevator should be considered during the architectural design stage, not only after a building has been completed. Early planning helps architects coordinate available space, floor openings, structural details, electrical requirements and installation responsibilities.
For Nigerian residential projects, pneumatic elevators offer an alternative to conventional elevator arrangements. Their design can reduce the need for some traditional elevator infrastructure, but this does not mean that every building can accommodate one without planning.
Architects working on duplexes, luxury residences, private homes and other multi-storey properties should understand the requirements of the selected pneumatic elevator model before finalising their drawings.
This guide explains how to prepare an architectural brief for a pneumatic elevator in Nigeria and what information should be shared with the supplier before construction progresses.
1. Why Should Architects Consider the Elevator Early?
Introducing an elevator late in a building project can create avoidable design changes.
A proposed installation location may conflict with staircases, beams, windows, balconies or existing room layouts. Floor openings may also require adjustments if the elevator dimensions were not considered during the original design.
Early coordination allows the architect to:
- Identify a suitable elevator location.
- Coordinate floor openings and landing positions.
- Review available installation space.
- Consider the building's structural arrangement.
- Plan electrical supply requirements.
- Coordinate access for installation and maintenance.
- Avoid unnecessary changes during construction.
For a pneumatic elevator, early supplier involvement is particularly useful because the equipment configuration and dimensions should guide the architectural provisions.
2. Understand the Space Requirements of a Pneumatic Elevator
Pneumatic elevators use air pressure differences to move the cabin through a vertical cylindrical structure.
Unlike many conventional elevator systems, selected pneumatic models do not require a traditional elevator shaft or machine room. However, the equipment still requires a suitable installation footprint and model-specific clearances.
Architects should not assume that the term shaftless means space-free.
Before allocating space, request the technical drawings for the selected model.
Confirm:
- Overall external dimensions.
- Internal cabin dimensions.
- Required floor-to-floor height.
- Total travel height.
- Door or entrance configuration.
- Equipment and turbine arrangement.
- Required installation clearances.
- Access requirements for servicing.
These measurements should be used when preparing the architectural layout.
3. Coordinate Floor Openings and Landing Positions
Landing positions are important because they determine where passengers enter and leave the elevator.
For a multi-storey home, the elevator may serve the ground floor, first floor and additional levels depending on the selected configuration.
Architects should confirm the proposed landing arrangement before finalising the floor plans.
Important considerations include:
Ground-floor landing: The entrance should connect conveniently with the main circulation route and avoid obstructing nearby doors or furniture.
Upper-floor landing: The entrance should provide sufficient clearance and connect safely with the relevant corridor or living area.
Through-floor arrangement: Confirm the required floor opening and its exact position using the supplier's installation drawings.
Balcony or external access: If an external entrance is proposed, review weather protection, access, drainage and the manufacturer's permitted installation configuration.
The supplier should confirm the landing dimensions and door arrangement for the selected model.
4. What Structural Requirements Should Architects Review?
Although some pneumatic elevators do not require a conventional elevator shaft, structural coordination remains necessary.
The building must provide a suitable installation environment and comply with the equipment manufacturer's requirements.
Architects and structural engineers should review:
- Floor construction around proposed openings.
- Structural beams and columns near the installation location.
- Floor-to-floor dimensions.
- Supporting surfaces and installation base requirements.
- Any required structural modifications.
- Safe access around the installed equipment.
Do not assume that an existing floor slab can be opened without structural review.
The structural engineer should assess the proposed opening and any related changes before construction work begins.
The elevator supplier should provide the relevant technical information to support this review.
5. Plan the Electrical Supply
Electrical requirements should be included in the building coordination process.
Pneumatic elevator models may have specific requirements for voltage, current, protective devices and electrical connections.
For example, some PE Lifts pneumatic elevator configurations are designed around a 220V electrical supply. However, architects and electrical engineers should confirm the exact requirements for the selected model rather than applying one specification to the entire product range.
Ask the supplier to confirm:
- Required supply voltage.
- Rated current or power requirement.
- Dedicated circuit requirements.
- Protective devices.
- Earthing arrangements.
- Surge protection requirements.
- Backup or emergency arrangements, where applicable.
- Location of electrical connection points.
The electrical engineer should incorporate the confirmed specifications into the building's electrical drawings.
6. Consider Equipment Location, Ventilation and Maintenance Access
The location of the elevator equipment should be coordinated with the overall building design.
For pneumatic elevators, the turbine or associated equipment arrangement depends on the model and installation configuration.
Architects should confirm whether the equipment is integrated with the elevator structure or requires a separate designated location.
Review the following:
- Manufacturer-approved equipment position.
- Required ventilation and heat clearances.
- Access for technicians.
- Electrical connection routes.
- Protection from rain and water ingress.
- Noise considerations where relevant.
- Space for inspection and servicing.
These details are especially important in Nigerian buildings where enclosed spaces, roof exposure and tropical weather conditions may affect the installation environment.
The supplier should provide the applicable technical requirements before the equipment location is finalised.
7. Coordinate the Supplier Before Construction Reaches Critical Stages
Supplier coordination should happen before floor openings, concrete work and major building elements are completed.
Waiting until the building is nearly finished may create unnecessary complications if the proposed location does not match the selected elevator configuration.
A practical coordination sequence is:
- Discuss the project with the elevator supplier.
- Share the preliminary architectural drawings.
- Confirm the proposed elevator model and capacity.
- Obtain model-specific technical drawings.
- Review floor openings and landing positions.
- Coordinate structural and electrical requirements.
- Confirm installation responsibilities.
- Review the final arrangement before construction reaches the relevant stage.
The architect should keep the supplier involved when significant changes are made to the building layout.
8. Who Is Responsible for Each Part of the Installation?
A clear division of responsibilities helps prevent misunderstandings between the architect, structural engineer, electrical engineer, builder and elevator supplier.
The project team should agree on responsibilities before construction begins.
| Project participant | Main coordination responsibility |
|---|---|
| Architect | Space allocation, floor plans, landings and circulation |
| Structural engineer | Slab openings, structural assessment and required support |
| Electrical engineer | Power supply, circuit protection and electrical connections |
| Builder or contractor | Approved building preparation and construction work |
| Elevator supplier | Equipment specifications, installation drawings and technical requirements |
| Project manager | Coordination, programme and responsibility tracking |
The exact responsibilities should be documented in the project agreement. This is particularly important where building preparation and elevator installation are handled by different contractors.
9. What Should an Architect Send to PE Lifts for a Technical Review?
Architects do not need to wait until every building drawing is complete before contacting the elevator supplier.
Preliminary information can help identify possible installation options and highlight issues that need attention.
When requesting a review from PE Lifts, prepare the following:
| Information | Details to provide |
|---|---|
| Project location | City and state in Nigeria |
| Building type | Residential, duplex or other property type |
| Floor count | Number of floors to be served |
| Architectural drawings | Floor plans and relevant sections |
| Proposed location | Intended elevator position |
| Floor heights | Ground-to-first-floor and other relevant heights |
| Opening details | Proposed floor opening, where applicable |
| Intended users | Expected passenger and accessibility requirements |
| Project stage | Concept, design development or construction |
| Installation timeline | Expected date for equipment installation |
The supplier can use this information to assess the proposed arrangement and advise on the next technical steps.
10. Architect's Pneumatic Elevator Coordination Checklist
Before approving the elevator provisions in a Nigerian building plan, review the following:
- The proposed elevator model has been discussed with the supplier.
- Model-specific dimensions have been obtained.
- Cabin capacity and internal dimensions have been confirmed.
- Landing positions have been coordinated.
- Floor openings have been reviewed.
- Structural requirements have been assessed.
- Electrical requirements have been shared with the electrical engineer.
- Equipment location and clearances have been reviewed.
- Maintenance access has been considered.
- Installation responsibilities have been agreed.
- Supplier timing has been considered in the construction programme.
Completing this checklist helps the project team identify design issues before they become construction problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a pneumatic elevator require a traditional elevator shaft?
Selected pneumatic elevator models are designed without a conventional elevator shaft or machine room. However, they still require a suitable installation space, floor provisions and manufacturer-specific clearances.
Can an architect include a pneumatic elevator in a duplex design?
Yes. A pneumatic elevator can be considered during the design of a suitable multi-storey residence. The proposed location, dimensions, travel height and landing arrangement should be confirmed with the supplier.
Should structural drawings be completed before contacting the elevator supplier?
No. Early supplier coordination is useful even during concept design. Preliminary drawings can help identify a suitable model and the structural provisions that need further assessment.
Does a pneumatic elevator need a machine room?
Selected pneumatic models do not require a conventional machine room. However, the turbine and associated equipment still need to be positioned according to the manufacturer's installation requirements.
What drawings should an architect submit for an elevator review?
Start with the architectural floor plans and building sections showing the proposed elevator location, floor heights and intended landings. Additional structural or electrical drawings may be requested as the design develops.
When should an elevator supplier be involved in a building project?
Ideally, involve the supplier during concept design or early design development. This gives the project team time to coordinate dimensions, structural provisions, power and installation responsibilities before construction reaches critical stages.
Coordinate Your Pneumatic Elevator Before Construction
A successful pneumatic elevator installation begins with accurate planning and communication between the architect, engineers, contractor and equipment supplier.
Confirming dimensions, floor openings, landing positions, electrical requirements and equipment clearances early can help reduce design conflicts and avoid unnecessary construction changes.
For architects working on residential and multi-storey projects in Nigeria, PE Lifts provides pneumatic home elevator solutions that can be considered during the building design process.
Send your architectural floor plans and building sections to PE Lifts for a preliminary technical review of your proposed pneumatic elevator location.