Screw Elevators  This is a home elevator system that uses a screw shaft and nuts to support weight and control the up and down movement of the elevator car. This system is designed specifically for home use, not focusing on speed like building elevators, but rather on stability, safety, and low maintenance.

Among European screw elevators, popular brands in Thailand include: KALEA Lift and ANTERA Lift which belong to the same group, Cibes Lift Group, but have distinctly different design concepts and target user groups.

• KALEA Lift Suitable for homes that want a high-quality European screw elevator that is easy to use, has uncomplicated installation, and is budget-friendly.
• ANTERA Lift Suitable for homes that value design, detail, and the integration of the elevator into the home’s architecture.

If you are asking yourself, “What type of elevator should I install in my home?” “Which system lasts longer and is less troublesome?” “Are the brands really different, or are they just names?” This article will answer each question step by step, without rushing or selling false hopes.

What is a Screw-Driven Home Lift?

A screw-driver home lift works by using a cylindrical metal shaft with a thread running along its length. When the motor rotates, the screw shaft moves a nut that is attached to the lift car, causing the lift to move up or down. Importantly, when the motor stops rotating, the lift stops immediately. There is no sliding or falling due to gravity. This is the heart of safety that makes screw-driver lifts popular in homes with elderly residents.

Why Screw-Driven Lifts are More Suitable for Homes Than Many People Think

Many people have seen lifts in malls or condos and think that home lifts must also be large, complex, and difficult to maintain. Screw-driver lifts are designed to be the opposite of that image.

• No machine room required.
• No deep pit needed.
• Minimal vertical space usage.
• Suitable for installation in existing homes.

For urban homes where space is a concern, screw elevators are the perfect solution.

What’s it like to use a screw elevator in real life, every day?

This is a frequently asked question, especially from hesitant homeowners. From real-world user experience, common points include:

• Smooth ascent and descent, no dizziness.
• Quiet operation, doesn’t disturb neighboring rooms.
• Instant response when a button is pressed.
• No worries about rain, power outages, or blackouts.

A screw elevator doesn’t feel like a machine, but rather a part of the home.

KALEA Lift: A screw elevator emphasizing simplicity and practicality.

KALEA Lift Designed with the concept that a home elevator should be as easy to use as turning on a light in your house. 

Key features of KALEA Lift include:

• European standard screw elevator structure.
• Simple design, easy to choose, no need for complicated decisions.
• Suitable for both new and renovated homes.
• Easy-to-understand control system, usable immediately by the elderly.

Many homeowners choose KALEA because they want a “one-time installation” and don’t want to worry about long-term hassles.

Who is KALEA Lift suitable for?

• 2-8 story houses
• Houses with elderly residents.
• Homes with limited space
• Homes where major structural modifications are desired
• People who want a high-quality European-style elevator within a planned budget

KALEA is often chosen as the first elevator for a home because it’s an easy decision and has a long lifespan.

Note: Some homes may not allow for drilling into the floor or installing a shaft. However, there are platform elevators that can be installed using an external steel reinforcement structure instead.

Key considerations before installing an elevator in a small home

Before deciding to install an elevator, you should ask yourself these 5 questions clearly:

1. Who will use the elevator?
   • Elderly? Children? Or for lifting objects?
2. Where in the house is the most available space?
   • Staircase corner / Living area / Outside the house?
3. How many people need to use it simultaneously?
   • 1 person / wheelchair / 2-3 people?
4. Do you want a shaft-mounted or shaft-less (Machine Roomless) lift?
5. Do you want a luxurious look?
   • For an aesthetically pleasing look, consider interior design.

A small lift suitable for “homes with limited space”

If you are looking for: A small lift that takes up little space, is easy to install, and is suitable for small homes. — Currently, there are two very popular brands in Thailand: KALEA Lift and ANTERA Lift Both brands offer several models of small elevators, suitable for small houses, townhouses, and private residences.

ANTERA Lift: When home design is important.

ANTERA Lift It’s about flexibility. ANTERA uses the same screw elevator system but gives homeowners and architects the opportunity to choose from materials and designs in the “Masterpiece of Nature” concept. 

• Wall materials
• Color scheme
• Glass
• Interior details

Suitable for homes that want the elevator to “blend” with the architecture, not just be added later.

In what types of homes is ANTERA Lift often chosen?

• A uniquely designed home
• A home with an architect overseeing the design from the start
• A home that wants an elevator as part of the design
• Homeowners who prioritize the overall look over installation speed

ANTERA doesn’t focus on flashiness, but on harmony

Frequently asked questions before choosing a screw elevator

1. Are screw elevators slow?  The speed is suitable for homes; not slow, but not as fast as building elevators.
2. What is the weight capacity?  It comfortably accommodates home use, including wheelchair users, if the appropriate size is chosen.
3. Does it use a lot of electricity?  Not much. It only uses electricity when going up and not when going down.
4. Is it difficult to maintain? Easy to maintain. No oil, no cables.

Comparing to other elevator systems: How does a screw elevator differ, and when should you choose one?

Before deciding to install a home elevator, many people don’t just ask, “Which brand is good?” but rather, “Which elevator system is suitable for my home?” This question is very important because each system is designed for different uses and affects the house structure, long-term maintenance, and actual user experience. Below is a comparison: Screw Elevator with other elevator systems that homeowners frequently ask about.

Screw Elevator vs. Hydraulic Elevator

A hydraulic lift is a system that uses oil pressure to push a cylinder to raise and lower the elevator. This system is commonly found in small commercial buildings and some older homes.

Differences Homeowners Should Know

• Screw Lift
  • No oil required
  • No need for a deep hydraulic pit
  • Simple structure
  • Easy to maintain in the long term
• Hydraulic Lift
  • Requires an oil system
  • Requires maintenance of seals and leaks
  • Uses more underground space

In long-term residential homes, many homeowners are avoiding hydraulic systems to avoid concerns about oil and future maintenance.

Screw Lift vs. Traction Lift

Traction lifts are the most familiar system, used in condominiums and high-rise buildings. They use steel cables and weights to pull the lift car up and down.

The difference becomes very clear when used in homes.

• Screw Lift
  • No machine room required, no lift pit excavation, no structural impact.
  • Requires less space, installation time is only 5-7 days.
  • Features safety systems and speeds that meet European standards EN81-41.
• Traction Lift
  • Requires space for the pulley and belt assembly.
  • More complex systems
  • Designed for frequent and high-speed use

For 2-8 story houses, the speed of a cable elevator is hardly an advantage, but the complexity becomes a burden in the long run.

Screw Elevators vs. Vacuum Elevators

Vacuum elevators stand out for their appearance, use air pressure to lift the elevator car, and are often chosen because of their unique design.

Real-world differences

• Screw Elevators
  • Provide a feeling of stability
  • Supports a wide range of weights
  • Allows for selection of elevator car sizes based on actual usage
  • Provides a consistent ascent and descent experience
• Vacuum Elevators
  • Distinctive design
  • Restricted form factor
  • More limited weight capacity
  • Up and down motion depends on air pressure

Many homes prefer vacuum elevators for their appearance, but choosing a screw elevator when considering daily use and long-term flexibility, if a home needs long-term convenience, a screw elevator is often a better choice.

In summary, choosing the right screw elevator to avoid disappointment:

If you need a home elevator suitable for the needs of everyone in the house, you need to carefully consider the following:

• Easy to use
• Safe
• Low maintenance
• Long-term use at home

A screw elevator is a well-thought-out choice. And if you ask which brand to choose:

• Choose KALEA Lift if you want simplicity, value for money, and an easy decision.
• Choose ANTERA Lift If you prioritize design and harmony in your home.

There is no single best answer, only the answer that “best suits your home.”