New Elevator Technology: The Machine Room-Less Elevator

Designed by Hickok Cole Architects with four MRL elevators, 1050 K in Washington, D.C., will be ready for occupancy in fall 2008. Courtesy of KONE Inc.

Building Cost Savings

The elimination of the machine room leads to lower construction costs. In addition, the new MRL elevator technology uses smaller motors, which, in turn, downsizes the necessary power supply. This further lowers construction costs (and energy costs in building operations) and allows more space within the building for other purposes.

However, space is required for an integral or adjacent controller closet. The integral control closet is typically near the top landing next to the door opening. The adjacent control closet, a configuration often driven by local or state codes or a particular elevator manufacturer’s design, is either placed in a small space next to the hoistway near the top landing or in a remote location.

A. Integral control space at top landing (typically standard) B. Remote control space or room located remote from the hoistway C. Integral control space located at alternative floor Courtesy of KONE Inc.