IGV Group:The Pole House:

An Australian icon

The Pole House is a special residence offering one of the most impressive views of the Australian coast; this

is the chosen destination for surfers from around the world. Adjacent to it, projecting into the sea, a

completely independent house overlooking the beach.

Originally, the Pole House enjoyed the charm coming mainly from its “iconic” value. It was a peculiar place,

with an ethnic décor which did not take fully advantage of the wonderful landscape. In the 2000s, the

intervention of the architects was radical and revolutionary. The Pole House (and not only) was modernised

and re-interpreted according to the wishes of the new owners: “bringing the old Seventies icon into the

21st century”.

In order to ease the movements within the “beach house”, adjacent to the Pole House, a DomusLift lifting

platform, by the Italian company IGV Group, was installed, manufactured on a bespoke design by the

Australian Easy Living Home Elevators.

In details, the model features:

 rated load: 400 kg;

 2 stops;

 2 entrances;

 travel = 3,200 mm;

 speed = 0.3 m/s;

 hydraulic motor.

Car dimensions: 1,100 mm (width) x 1,250 mm (depth) x 2,000 mm (height). Automatic sliding doors.

The car profiles are natural anodized aluminium, while the car pushbutton panel is brushed stainless steel.

The light is provided by LED lights with chrome rings embedded in a white ceiling.

The car outer cladding was made of wood in warm earth shades. The doors are in mirror steel in order to

emphasize the minimalist choice.

Interesting and in tune with the latest architectural theories on the building/vertical transportation

relationship1 is the idea of the property owners who were asked about reasons for their choice of

materials and which atmosphere they wanted to create.

“We wanted to evoke a sophisticated and luxurious atmosphere. The monochrome environment was the

most suitable for the natural light nuances during the various moments of the day. We also wanted to give

a prominent role to the lift. The goal was achieved by placing the lift in the centre of the living room,

instead of hiding it in a corner, as usual”.

Matteo Volpe, the General Director of IGV Group, leading company in the manufacture of DomusLift

systems (one of the symbols of the Made in Italy in the world) emphasises this concept.

He says that the lift (or lifting platform, in this case) can be considered as an element of furniture, thanks to

the wide choice of finishes, and an element of the architectural space inside the house.

“The Pole House is a good example of the way a lifting platform is a versatile system: meeting the user and

environment needs while complying with aesthetic requirements and also creating original space

solutions”.