注: 建议图片大小150px*50px 
丨
注: 建议图片大小150px*50px Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-08-15 Origin: zadim group
Many owners of older or second-hand villas face a dilemma when adding a lift: they want an integrated panoramic lift to enhance the home‘s aesthetic, but are unsure whether a screw-drive or steel-belt panoramic lift is better suited to a retrofit project.
The core challenge of retrofitting an older home differs from that of a new build: most have completed hard finishes, floor waterproofing layers, underground utilities, and limited stairwell void dimensions – making large-scale demolition extremely costly.
ZADIM, with its two mature panoramic product lines (screw-drive and steel-belt), offers clear distinctions between the two options. This article breaks down the applicable scenarios for each, helping older-villa owners make the right choice and avoid costly mistakes.
Before selecting a model, confirm these two points – they will directly determine the best option:
Pit Modification Feasibility: Can the ground floor slab be opened for excavation? Are there basements, waterproofing layers, or utilities that cannot be disturbed?
Usage Requirements: Number of floors, daily frequency, number of occupants, and wheelchair access needs.
Industry Myth Correction: There is no absolute rule that “steel-belt is always better than screw.” In retrofit scenarios, structural feasibility takes priority over ride comfort. The practical viability of structural work is the primary criterion for older homes.
Dimension | ZADIM Screw-Drive Panoramic (Z6000 / Z7000) | ZADIM Steel-Belt Panoramic (Z8000 / Z9000) |
Pit Requirement | Only 50 mm – virtually no excavation needed; can be installed directly on existing floor | 130 mm shallow pit – requires localised floor reduction; cannot be completely zero-excavation |
Minimum Top Floor Height | 2,400 mm | 2,550 mm |
Minimum Installation Size | 860×860 mm – friendly to compact stairwell voids | Minimum 960×910 mm – requires more space |
Travel Speed | 0.15–0.2 m/s | 0.3–0.4 m/s – faster travel |
Ride Quality | Mechanical transmission; slight mechanical noise at low speed | Balanced traction with triple shock absorption – quieter and smoother |
Safety Features | Screw-drive mechanical self-locking – no free-fall in power outage | Standard safety gear + ARD automatic levelling during power outages – mature traction safety system |
Structural Impact | Minimal – no need for extensive floor tile removal or waterproofing damage | Requires localised floor work – more construction steps |
Suitable Floors | 2–4 storeys; moderate daily use | 2–6 storeys; high-frequency daily use in multi-storey detached homes |
Panoramic Solution | Factory-prefabricated aluminium shaft – 3-sided or 4-sided full-view options | Factory-integrated panoramic shaft – interior customisation system shared across models |
1. Screw-Drive Lift: The Ideal Solution for Older-Home Retrofits
If your older villa faces any of the following conditions, a screw-drive lift is almost certainly the best choice:
Pit excavation impossible: e.g., under-floor heating, basement, or foundation conditions that prohibit digging.
Limited floor load capacity: Screw lifts are lighter and impose less stress on floor slabs.
Relatively tighter budget: Installation and long-term maintenance costs are generally lower.
Ultimate safety priority: Especially suitable for families with elderly members and young children.
2. Steel-Belt Panoramic Lift: The Quiet, Comfort-Focused Option
If you have higher expectations in the following areas – and the property can accommodate the structural work – a steel-belt panoramic lift is the ideal choice:
Ultimate ride comfort: You want the lift to be as smooth and quiet as possible.
Design aesthetics: You want the lift itself to be a visual centrepiece – transparent, modern, and light-filled.
Speed requirements: You want to minimise waiting time.
1. Beware of Sales Tactics
Do not be misled by claims that “steel-belt is always better – screw is outdated.” If your home cannot accommodate pit excavation, being pushed towards a steel-belt lift will only result in extensive damage to existing finishes – a poor trade-off.
2. Choose a Factory-Integrated Panoramic Shaft – Not an On-Site Fabricated Structure
Whether screw or steel-belt, prioritise a factory-prefabricated aluminium panoramic shaft (such as ZADIM‘s). Avoid “lift equipment + on-site steel structure” combinations – they often result in exposed wiring, poor waterproofing, rough joints, and compromised interior aesthetics.
3. Conduct a Structural Survey in Advance
Older villa walls, stair beams, and structural layouts differ from new builds. During the site survey, confirm:Load-bearing capacity of the installation wall.Feasibility of floor slab openings.For older brick-and-mortar structures, a screw-drive panoramic lift with better weight distribution is often more suitable.
4. Lock in Budget and Delivery Scope Before Signing
Distinguish between the Z6000 whole-unit imported screw model and the Z7000 standardised production model. Ensure the contract clearly specifies:Model and origin.Pit construction scope.Shaft configuration and glass specifications – to avoid later add-on costs.
The house is already finished, with no ability to remove floor tiles or damage waterproofing? → Screw-Drive Panoramic
The house is undergoing a full renovation, with some floor work possible? → Steel-Belt Panoramic
Stairwell void is narrow, with less than 1m×1m available space? → Screw-Drive Panoramic
3+-storey detached villa, large family, daily high-frequency use? → Steel-Belt Panoramic
2-storey duplex, mainly for occasional elderly use? → Screw-Drive Panoramic
