The need for vertical expansion is increasing at an alarming rate in today’s urban landscape. As the pace of urbanization is breakneck, architects and developers are constantly challenged to utilize every single square meter of building area. This sets a high premium on compact systems with high performance. These systems work as well as their full-size counterparts, but without any compromise on functionality or design. Elevators, as vital as they are to modern buildings, should now provide so much more than just vertical mobility. They must seamlessly integrate into space-conscious layouts while also supporting energy efficiency, design flexibility, and ease of installation.
This is precisely where KONE MiniSpace elevators shine. Designed for mid- to high-rise buildings, these elevators feature compact machine rooms and incorporate the latest technology for smooth operation within a small footprint. MiniSpace elevators embody the concept of sustainable and consciously designed buildings, minimizing structural requirements and energy consumption while maximizing rentable space.
Compact Design with EcoDisc® Motor
At the core of the MiniSpace system is KONE’s EcoDisc® motor. Larger, separate machine rooms are a necessity in traditional elevator systems. In contrast, this motor is compact and lightweight, occupying approximately 40% of the space taken by conventional machines. Consequently, the machine room in MiniSpace elevators is essentially an extension of the elevator shaft itself, with some valuable building space freed up through further construction. Naturally, its compactness also reduces complexities.
Space Optimization in Building Layouts
The shaft-based design allows the equipment to be hoisted and installed inside the shaft. This means that no bulky overhead rooms or large hoisting machines are required.
It results in:
- faster construction
- reduced construction costs
- more rentable or usable space in the building
These elevators are ideally suited for buildings that reach up to 63 floors.
Ideal for Modernization Projects
Especially suitable for modernizations, KONE MiniSpace allows the installation of elevators in limited shafts with minimal structural changes. This dramatically helps improve accessibility in a building, adding tremendous value to those structures, which becomes even more critical in heritage buildings or older residential complexes.
Energy-efficient Cost Savings
MiniSpace elevators are designed with sustainability in mind. Key energy-saving features include:
- EcoDisc motor: Consumes less power than conventional geared systems.
- Regenerative drives: Feed excess energy back into the building’s power grid.
- LED lighting and standby modes: Reduce consumption and last 10 times longer.
KONE claims that energy use can be reduced dramatically compared to older elevator systems, making it a top choice for green buildings.
Lightweight, Low-impact Engineering
MiniSpace elevators feature the KONE EcoDisc® motor. It weighs approximately 50% less than traditional geared systems. In the process, structures in buildings are relieved, giving architects room for experimentation. Besides, a lighter structure equates to quicker transportation and installation.
Fast Installation in Tight Spaces
The MiniSpace elevator’s reduced shaft and headroom requirements make it an excellent choice for installation in tight or congested urban environments. Additionally, scaffold-free installation methods reduce the ongoing support required from general contractors, decreasing the overall project duration.
High Performance
Despite their size, MiniSpace elevators offer a calm and quiet ride with the highest level of floor-by-floor leveling precision. Quick yet smooth acceleration and deceleration features, enabled by a variable frequency drive, suit the traffic flow of residential and office buildings.
Innovative Design and Beautiful Aesthetics
KONE offers a diverse range of interior design options to complement contemporary architectural features.
Users can pick from:
- 28 interior cabin styles
- More than 80 wall, floor, and ceiling materials and finishes
This selection will also enhance the building’s overall design, particularly when an elevator is installed in a tight space.
Final Thoughts
KONE MiniSpace elevators provide a smart and compact solution for vertical transportation. Their energy efficiency, installation flexibility, reduced space requirements, and modern design enable them to satisfy the needs of today’s most space-conscious architects and builders.
