The idea of the lift was conceived when it was proposed to Peter Van Emmerik by his son Andrew, that in view of the ageing population and the absence of a lift suitable for residential use, a market for this product would emerge and that it would provide Peter with a challenging retirement project at age 67. The options were evaluated and it was concluded that to make the lift economic and blend in with the home decor as a retro fit was to make it free standing by eliminating the enclosures and enclosure doors. It was discovered that the Australian Standards Commission had also foreseen the emerging need and had composed and issued a Standard AS 1735 part 15 to meet this need.  The “thru lift” concept was birthed at this very time. The next challenge was to have the entire lift motor, wire rope system, control boards etc. within the 300 mm high space between the cabin ceiling and the home ceiling to avoid penetrating the upper floor ceiling into the roof space. Peter set out drafting the lift on a drafting board he had purchased at a Hydro fire sale!  The prototype unit was then produced on…

The History of The Residential Lift Company One could hardly imagine that the prototype RESiLIFT® would birth an Australia-wide company leading the way in simplicity, cost effectiveness, easy installation  and maintenance.  Nor could one imagine that the heritage of each of the players contributed to the design and inspiration of the project. Rosemary Murphy born 1936 came from a long line of Engineers beginning with her grandfather, Joseph Francies, who  became a Professor of Engineering in India and her father, Frank Murphy, obtained a degree of Science Engineering at the University of London. Peter van Emmerik, Rosemary’s husband, has a Diploma of Mechanical Engineering, Hobart.  Peter was to become the designer of the lift.  Their son, Andy, has a Degree in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.  Peter’s family moved from Holland to Java and his grandparents formed the White Cross Colony to address the problem of the aftermath of a volcano in mid Java.  At its heyday the White Cross Colony housed over 1,000 people and provided shelter, food and work on the coffee plantation ,dairy, weaving and an orphanage. The 2nd World War resulted in the family being sent to concentration camp and the Colony falling into disrepair.  Peter’s Father,…