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

★★★★★

Installing a RESiLIFT has made such a different to our lives. Carrying laundry upstairs is easy! It’s made our home complete and given my husband the freedom to move around independently.

Adele, Carlingford, NSW

★★★★★

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

Ann, Melbourne, VIC

★★★★★

Installing a RESiLIFT has made such a different to our lives. Carrying laundry upstairs is easy! It’s made our home complete and given my husband the freedom to move around independently.

Adele, Carlingford, NSW

★★★★★

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? 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

Future-proofing your home is about being prepared for whatever happens to you or your family members. As we age, the likelihood that we experience limitations to our mobility increases. It may be the result of a past injury or a new diagnosis. For people living in two-storey or split-level homes, stairs may become difficult to navigate and sometimes even dangerous. Faced with this dilemma, some people feel their only choice is to move to a single-level home. Pleased with already having a RESiLIFT installed, Lyn from Gisborne, Victoria shared her experience “I broke my leg just before Christmas one year, and having the lift was a God-send. On the other hand,” Lyn says, “When my girlfriend broke her ankle very badly and had to have an ankle fusion. Their home has very steep stairs and no bathroom downstairs. Without a lift, it was a nightmare.” RESiLIFT® is not only an affordable solution, it’s a smart choice. Because the footprint is so small, our lift can be retrofitted into existing homes with minimal impact. Many people also install our lifts in their holiday homes as they prepare for a sea or tree change. Australians are including lifts in their house designs so…

Residential lift Miracle RESiLIFT grab rail control panel and isolating key close up

Affordable home elevators with safety features

Pictured above is a Miracle RESiLIFT® The RESiLIFT® was specifically designed so people could safely stay in their two-story or split-level home and eliminate the danger of stairs and at the same time offer the most affordable home elevators on the market. Invented by Tasmanian Engineer Peter van Emmerik, the award-winning RESiLIFT® remains one of Australia’s most affordable and reliable home elevators. “I designed this elevator so people could stay safely in the home they love,” says Peter. “It saves time, effort and money that would otherwise be wasted moving home. It also removes the emotional anguish of being uprooted from your family home.” There are numerous RESiLIFT® safety features. Firstly, the home elevator operates with continuous pressure, giving the operator complete control of the journey for the whole way. There is also an isolating key to turn off the entire home elevator unit in case of occasions that you would like to stop the elevator from being used (especially when the grandkids are over). The shaftless design means a safety lid covers the upstairs opening when the elevator is on the lower floor. There are pressure sensitive safety surfaces which stop the elevator if there is an obstruction above…

Mirage RESiLIFT home lift upstairs with Sydney Harbour view

In-Home Elevators – An Introduction

RESiLIFTs are the original in-home elevators. The award-winning shaftless design was invented by Australian engineer Peter van Emmerik. Residential Lift Manufacturing manufactures and distributes the RESiLIFT® range around Australia. Peter’s ground-breaking design was patented and has been replicated across the globe. Pioneering home elevators, Peter’s clever design has enabled the average Australian to afford an in home elevator. Now installing a RESiLIFT® is less than the cost of moving homes. The RESiLIFT® can be retrofitted into existing homes with minimal hassle. The home elevator can also be easily installed in new builds. Why install a RESiLIFT in-home elevator? Installing a RESiLIFT® enables people to stay in their split-level home without the limitations and dangers of stairs. In 2025, the RESiLIFT® elevators continue to be an affordable solution for the challenge of stairs with over 4,000 home elevators installed around the country. Despite the home elevator’s small footprint, RESiLIFT® lifts still fits two people. With the choice of three different sizes, some can accommodate walkers and even wheelchairs. With a huge number of safety features, a RESiLIFT® means you can stay in your home safely. With authorised RESiLIFT® distributors located around Australia, you can have a home elevator installed within weeks…