ABOUT US

Mirage RESiLIFT home lift upstairs ocean view sunset 3D render

RESIDENTIAL LIFT MANUFACTURING

Residential Lift Manufacturing Pty Ltd (RLM) is an Australian-owned business that designs, manufactures and develops the RESiLIFT® range. It succeeded The Residential Lift Co. Pty Ltd, founded by Peter and Rosemary van Emmerik in Tasmania more than 20 years ago.

Peter, the inventor of the RESiLIFT, designed the world’s first “through-floor” residential lift, pioneering affordable and retrofittable lifts for people’s homes. You can learn more about The Inventor and his revolutionary design below.

Since the invention of the RESiLIFT, more than 4,000 lifts have been installed in Australian homes. Over the years, the lift design has evolved into the stylish and streamlined model we offer today—one we believe is the best on the market.

Residential Lift Manufacturing is now managed by two of Peter and Rosemary’s daughters, Erica and Margery, who are committed to continuing their parents’ mission of helping Australians stay in the homes they love.

THE INVENTOR

Peter van Emmerik, a retired engineer from Tasmania, revolutionised the lift industry with his invention, the RESiLIFT® .

After Peter’s retirement from a 40-year career with the Hydro-Electric Commission, his son suggested he apply his engineering skills to designing a residential lift. At the time, even the idea was revolutionary, and Peter applied his innovative mind to the task.

What followed was a three-year journey of design and refinement. Unlike traditional hydraulic or three-phase lifts, Peter’s design used standard 240V power, and the lift was self-supporting and shaftless, making it easy to install in existing or newly built homes.

His invention not only minimised visual and structural impact but also enabled easier installation through furnished spaces.

Patented in Australia and shared internationally, a version of Peter’s original design is now sold in more than 15 countries.

Peter’s passion was to help people stay in their family home as they age. He understood the emotional, financial and practical benefits of being able to grow older at home. For Peter it was about preserving family connections and stability.

Peter and Rosemary van Emmerik

Co founders of the Residential Lift Company with their daughters

Peter and Rosemary with two of their daughters, now Co-CEOs, Erica (left) and Margery (right).

The RESiLIFT quickly gained acclaim for its simple and elegant design, transforming multi-level homes into accessible spaces and making everyday tasks, such as transporting groceries and other heavy items, easier and safer.

Recognised by the Institute of Engineers in 2009, Peter’s design continued to evolve based on customer feedback and different installation challenges.

Peter’s wife, Rosemary, was heavily involved in the business from the beginning, and their two daughters, Margery and Erica, also joined the family venture, eventually becoming co-CEOs.

Margery and Erica proudly continue their parents’ legacy, ensuring RESiLIFT remains an Australian-made symbol of innovation and functional design.

They are committed to helping people overcome the challenge of stairs and enjoy their homes for as long as possible.
Peter van Emmerik’s RESiLIFT isn’t just a lift; it’s a testament to ingenuity and a lifeline for countless individuals seeking independence and security in their daily lives.

A brief history of the lift

Hear from founders Peter and Rosemary van Emmerik as they share the story behind Australia’s pioneer through-floor elevator.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

★★★★★

RESiLIFT has given us back our life.

Geoff & Jan, Berwick, VIC

★★★★★

Best money we ever spent!

Beylara, Ravenswood, TAS

★★★★★

Our kitchen and living room are upstairs. Without RESiLIFT, we would have had to move to a single-storey home.

Alan & Mary, Beaumaris, VIC

★★★★★

We should have installed a RESiLIFT years ago. It’s the best thing we’ve ever done and gives us peace of mind for the future.

Susan & Paul, Baulkman Hills, NSW

Miracle RESiLIFT Residential Lift customer installation upstairs garden view

★★★★★

RESiLIFT came at the right time for us.

Berny, Altona, VIC

★★★★★

Having a RESiLIFT is “awesome for my mother-in-law”.

Talal, Eaglemont, VIC

★★★★★

RESiLIFT has made a hugely positive impact to our home and lives.

Roger, Mont Albert North, VIC

★★★★★

The lift helps us move luggage from our walk-in wardrobe to the car, and easily carry washing between floors. Being an Australian-designed lift is an added bonus.

Gary, Alexandria, NSW

★★★★★

RESiLIFT is the best thing to have happened to me! Great for carrying the groceries upstairs.

Vicki, TAS

RESiLIFT? Wonderful. I used to dread going up and down the stairs. Now it’s just like going into another room.

Ann, Melbourne, VIC

★★★★★

RESiLIFT has given us back our life.

Geoff & Jan, Berwick, VIC

★★★★★

Best money we ever spent!

Beylara, Ravenswood, TAS

★★★★★

Our kitchen and living room are upstairs. Without RESiLIFT, we would have had to move to a single-storey home.

Alan & Mary, Beaumaris, VIC

★★★★★

We should have installed a RESiLIFT years ago. It’s the best thing we’ve ever done and gives us peace of mind for the future.

Susan & Paul, Baulkman Hills, NSW

★★★★★

RESiLIFT came at the right time for us.

Berny, Altona, VIC

★★★★★

Having a RESiLIFT is “awesome for my mother-in-law”.

Talal, Eaglemont, VIC

★★★★★

RESiLIFT has made a hugely positive impact to our home and lives.

Roger, Mont Albert North, VIC

★★★★★

The lift helps us move luggage from our walk-in wardrobe to the car, and easily carry washing between floors. Being an Australian-designed lift is an added bonus.

Gary, Alexandria, NSW

★★★★★

RESiLIFT is the best thing to have happened to me! Great for carrying the groceries upstairs.

Vicki, TAS

RESiLIFT? Wonderful. I used to dread going up and down the stairs. Now it’s just like going into another room.

Ann, Melbourne, VIC

REQUEST A FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION

Take the stress out of stairs and enjoy peace of mind for the future with RESiLIFT — book your free in-home consultation today.

REQUEST A VISIT

As seen on A Current Affair — RESiLIFT helps Australians live confidently in the homes they love. At 83, Diana is as sharp as a tack, but arthritis has made it hard for her to move around like she used to. Determined to keep living independently in the home she loves, Diana installed a RESiLIFT. “Every time I get in that lift, I think every dollar is worth it,” she says. Watch this short clip to hear more of Diana’s story, which aired on A Current Affair on 21 June 2025.

Miracle RESiLIFT residential lift upstairs with woman and dog

Why you need a home lift

For owners of multi-level dwellings, installing a residential lift is arguably the most transformative upgrade you can undertake to make your home more accessible and liveable through your retirement years. Elevators Provide a Safer Alternative to Stairs Falls on or from stairs are a significant cause of injury in the home. It’s easy to slip or miss a step while going downstairs, especially when carrying heavy items like groceries, laundry, or suitcases. If you plan to enjoy your retirement in a double-story home, addressing the issue of stairs is crucial, as a fall can dramatically affect your plans. Installing a residential lift allows people to navigate stairs safely and makes everyday life easier. Historically, elevators were too expensive for most homeowners. However, with the invention of RESiLIFT®, the world’s first shaftless, through-floor lift, elevators are now more affordable and fit seamlessly into any home. Enjoy your home longer Futureproofing means preparing your home for potential changes in mobility that you or your loved ones may experience. As people age, their mobility needs often change, making it essential to equip your home with features that help you adapt. By doing so, you can continue to enjoy your home comfortably and safely…

Home lift Miracle RESiLIFT lift halfway up dark wooden floorboards

7 things to consider before buying a lift

Residential elevators are fast becoming a must-have in two-storey homes, particularly for those who want to stay in their home as they age. When choosing a lift for your home, these are the factors you should consider. 1. Size – Most people assume that home elevators need a significant footprint, but with continuing advancements in design, there are now lifts on the market invented specifically for residential use. At less than one square metre, The Mirage, by RESiLIFT, is the most compact home lift on the market that comfortably fits two people. And the innovative, through-floor design leaves space within the room when the lift is on the other level. RESiLIFT also offers two larger models, and a trained salesperson can help you choose the right lift for you based on your needs, floor plan and space. 2. Purpose – It may sound obvious, but it is important to consider why you want a lift. At first, it might be for transporting groceries from your garage to an upper level. But as time goes on, and your mobility support needs increase, it may be essential to have a lift car that caters for a walking aid or wheelchair. Taking a…