Introduction
A modern office refurbishment can transform the look and feel of a building, but accessibility should not be forced into a false choice between “leave it looking dated” or “rip it out and start again.” Many Sesame lifts are engineered to operate reliably for decades, and with the right approach, their visible finishes and interfaces can be adapted to match a new interior design intent while keeping the proven lift core in service.
This article shares a real, practical scenario: a long-serving lift, performing well with no operational issues, being updated to integrate into a refreshed lobby with new metalwork, new floor finishes, and a new architectural language.
Why this matters: why most manufacturers struggle to do this
Refurbishing an older lift is not simply “powder coat a panel and change a button.” Many manufacturers cannot practically offer this service because original drawings may be missing, control systems may be proprietary, and the engineering team who built the lift may no longer be available. In some cases, the original supplier may not even be trading. Sesame is different because the lift’s technical history is known, service is ongoing, and the in-house team can redesign components with full awareness of safety, access for maintenance, and how the installation was originally constrained. That institutional knowledge is what makes 15-year adaptations commercially viable and low risk.
Key Takeaways
A 15-year-old Sesame lift can be visually upgraded without replacing the lift
Gate, controls, cabinetry covers and finishes can be redesigned to match refurbishment intent
Serviceability-first engineering keeps maintenance fast, safe and cost-efficient
Most “cosmetic” changes do not require structural alteration or mechanical replacement
A site assessment clarifies the best finish strategy and the feasibility vs weight trade-off
Problem: the lift works perfectly, but the refurbishment design language has changed
In this scenario, the building team was refreshing a lobby and wanted the lift to blend into a new interior palette with darker bronze-toned metalwork, updated balustrading, and a more continuous floor finish.
The key requirement was to avoid replacement because the existing lift was performing well and the team wanted to avoid structural changes.
Transcript quote: “we thought it was simpler to avoid any structural alterations, try to leave the existing lift in place”
When architects get this wrong: the biggest specification mistake
The most common error is assuming the visible finish dictates the mechanical solution, leading to drawings that specify demolition and full replacement far too early. The better approach is to request a condition and feasibility review before schematic design is locked, so the refurbishment scope focuses on finishes, interfaces, and integration details instead of unnecessary structural work. That prevents a tender package from accidentally baking in avoidable cost and disruption.
Solution: serviceability-first refurbishment that matches the new interior intent
Sesame approached the refurbishment as an engineering and design coordination exercise, not a product swap.
Transcript quote: “everything you’ve said is possible”
The requested updates focused on visible elements and user touchpoints while protecting long-term maintenance access.
Authority positioning: serviceability-first design engineering
A refurbishment only succeeds long-term if it remains easy to service. That means design choices must consider weight, access, and safe removal of panels.
Transcript quote: “these products have evolved to really give easy access to these engineers”
This is why Sesame often recommends moving from heavier one-piece stainless components to lighter, removable alternatives such as anodised aluminium where appropriate, especially for equipment covers that engineers must remove during routine maintenance.
Decision framework: the feasibility vs weight trade-off
Nearly any finish is technically possible, but not every finish is sensible for long-term operation.
Serviceability-first guidance
Lightweight removable covers are usually preferred for maintenance-critical access
Anodised aluminium can provide a premium look with low weight and repeatable colour control
Heavy cladding or patinated brass can be viable, but only if it does not compromise safe handling, removal time, or future servicing
Practical rule of thumb
If a finish increases panel weight, removal complexity, or the number of people required for routine access, it should be treated as a premium option with a clear justification rather than the default choice.
What can typically be refurbished on an existing Sesame lift
How can equipment cabinetry and covers be updated to match new finishes?
Equipment covers can often be replaced or refinished to align with new metalwork schemes, while improving serviceability at the same time.
In refurbishments, Sesame often proposes lightweight solutions that maintain engineer access and reduce handling risk, especially where the original installation used heavier assemblies.
Relevant product context
This type of long-life adaptation aligns with how Sesame designs and supports lifts such as the Bespoke Lift across changing building requirements.
Can the gate be redesigned to integrate into new balustrading?
Yes. Gates can often be redesigned to visually integrate into a new balustrade system, including picket-style concepts, while maintaining safe guarding and compliant operation.
Relevant product context
Integrated, design-led access solutions are a core feature of systems like the Westminster Equality Act Lift and the Windsor Lift, where visual coherence and safety must work together.
Can controls be relocated to suit a new interior layout?
Yes. Controls can often be moved from boxed-in walls or dated mounting positions to independent pedestals or new architectural features, improving clarity for users and supporting a cleaner refurbishment finish.
Relevant product context
Pedestal and interface design is often part of the coordination on lifts such as the Pimlico Lift and London Access Lift, depending on the constraints and the desired user journey.
Can floor finishes be made continuous through the lift area?
Often, yes. Refurbishment can include changing surrounding finishes so the lift area feels integrated into the floor plane, including transitions from matting to tiled finishes, subject to safe detailing and thresholds.
Product Integration Summary
Where this type of refurbishment approach commonly applies across the Sesame range:
| Product | Typical refurbishment focus | Why it suits long-life adaptation |
|---|---|---|
| Wellington Lift | finishes, enclosures, interface refinements | designed around architectural integration |
| Richmond Rising Platform Lift | guarding, user touchpoints, finish upgrades | frequently coordinated with surrounding fabric |
| Cavendish Platform Lift | cabinetry, panels, visual upgrades | often specified for discreet design-led outcomes |
| Bespoke Lift | full aesthetic adaptation without core replacement | engineered for site-specific evolution |
Related reading for deeper technical context
Engineering review covering long-life design thinking and integration: Engineering review of the Wellington, Richmond and Cavendish lifts (2025)
Example of Sesame work quality and client-facing outcomes: Merchant Taylors’ Hall client page
Cost-benefit reality check: when refurbishment stays efficient
Refurbishment commonly lands at 30–50% of the cost of a new installation when the core lift remains healthy and structural changes are avoided. Savings can evaporate if the building requires different travel heights, if structural remediation is needed, or if end-of-life core components must be replaced rather than adapted. The right first step is a site assessment that separates cosmetic adaptation from genuine mechanical renewal.
Is refurbishment right for your project?
| Refurbishment makes sense when… | Replacement required when… | Requires site assessment |
|---|---|---|
| The lift runs reliably with no recurring faults | Core components are beyond service life | Panel removal access is constrained |
| The goal is finish, gate, or interface upgrades | Travel height or landing arrangement must change | Gate actuator access is unusually tight |
| Structural alterations are undesirable | The building use has fundamentally changed | New floor finishes affect thresholds |
| You want a design match to new interiors | Major corrosion or water damage is present | Finish selection risks increasing weight |
| Ongoing servicing history is known | Compliance needs cannot be met by adaptation | Control relocation needs routing review |
Common misconceptions about refurbishing older lifts
Myth: all lifts over 10 years old must be replaced
Reality: mechanical lifespan can exceed 20–25 years with correct design and servicing
Myth: updating finishes means structural alterations
Reality: many upgrades involve panels, interfaces and gates, not the lift core or building structure
Myth: you cannot integrate a new gate into new balustrading
Reality: gates can often be redesigned to coordinate with third-party balustrade concepts, subject to engineering review
Myth: changing controls is always a major rebuild
Reality: control stations can often be relocated to pedestals or improved mounting positions with coordinated wiring routes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you refurbish an existing platform lift without replacing it?
Yes. If the core lift is operating reliably, Sesame can often refurbish visible finishes, gates, and interfaces without replacing the lift.
Do cosmetic upgrades require structural alteration?
Not usually. Many changes are confined to panels, cabinetry covers, gates, and control interfaces, subject to site assessment.
Can you match specialist finishes like dark bronze or patinated metalwork?
Often, yes. Sesame typically proposes colour-controlled, serviceable options first, such as anodised aluminium, and then reviews heavier premium finishes where appropriate.
How do you keep the lift serviceable after a refurbishment?
Sesame applies a serviceability-first approach so panels remain safe to remove, access remains clear, and engineers can maintain the unit efficiently.
Long-tail: how to upgrade lift finishes to match office refurbishment design intent
Start by confirming the new interior palette, then carry out a site survey to identify which components can be refinished, replaced, or redesigned without impacting maintenance access.
Long-tail: can you integrate a lift gate into new picket-style balustrading?
In many cases, yes. The gate design can often pivot off surrounding handrail geometry, with coordinated drawings for approval.
Long-tail: do I need a new lift if the existing one is 15 years old?
Not automatically. Age alone is not a replacement trigger. Condition, reliability, servicing history, and building needs are what matter.
Long-tail: can lift controls be moved during refurbishment to a new pedestal?
Often, yes. Control relocation is a common refurbishment item, especially when walls are being opened up or architectural features are changing.
Next steps
If you have a long-serving lift that performs well but no longer matches your refurbishment intent, Sesame can help you upgrade the look and user interfaces while protecting the proven lift core.
Book a Teams Meeting with one of our Project Managers here: https://www.sesameaccess.com/book-a-meeting