A Home Elevator Designed for Comfort and the View

When a homeowner in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota began planning for his wife’s changing health needs, he wanted to make their multilevel home easier to navigate. His goal was simple: reduce her reliance on stairs so she could remain comfortable at home for as long as possible. AEL, Inc. installed an Elvoron HR/MR residential elevator to support that goal. However, this project involved more than adding convenient access between floors. The homeowner also wanted the elevator to complement the property and take advantage of its backyard views.

Careful Planning Made the Difference

One of the project’s most distinctive features is its use of windows. To achieve the intended result, AEL met with the contractor several times to coordinate the home’s window openings with the elevator windows. This early collaboration helped ensure the windows aligned properly and created a clear view from inside the elevator. It also allowed the installation to feel like an intentional part of the home rather than a later addition.

Supporting Aging in Place

For this family, the home elevator provided a practical way to prepare for changing mobility needs. By offering another way to travel between floors, it reduced the need to depend entirely on the stairs. Home elevators can be an important part of aging-in-place planning, particularly in multilevel homes where bedrooms, living spaces and other essential areas are located on different floors.

A Feature Worth Showing Off

The finished elevator combines function with visual appeal. Its windowed design connects the interior with the surrounding landscape and fits naturally with the character of the home. The homeowner was so pleased with the result that he proudly showed the elevator to golfers passing behind his property. This Dakota Dunes installation demonstrates what can happen when practical needs, thoughtful design and careful contractor coordination come together. The result is a residential elevator that helps the homeowners enjoy their home today while preparing for the future.