The Elevator as Art
In the past, an elevator was just a hidden box that moved you up and down. You hid it behind a steel door. However, the mindset of the Bangladeshi homeowner has changed. In a modern duplex in Gulshan or a villa in Uttara, the elevator is a centerpiece. It is moving furniture. The Fuji Panoramic (or “Capsule”) series is designed for this specific purpose. It turns a mechanical necessity into a visual statement. You do not just ride it; you experience it.
What is a Panoramic Lift?
A panoramic lift uses glass walls instead of steel. It allows light to enter the cabin and offers a view of the outside world. In Bangladesh, we often call these “Capsule Lifts.” They are commonly installed on the exterior face of a building or in the center of a winding staircase. Fuji offers several variations of this technology, blending their reliable traction motors with stunning glass architecture.
The Popular Shapes in Dhaka
Not all panoramic lifts look the same. The shape you choose defines the cost and the installation complexity.
- The Semi-Circular (Capsule): This is the classic shape. It has a flat back and a curved glass front. It looks futuristic and aerodynamic. It is the most popular choice for building facades.
- The Square Panoramic: This is the most affordable option. It fits into a standard square shaft but has a glass rear wall. It is perfect for indoor installations inside a stairwell void.
- The Hexagonal/Prismatic: This design uses angled flat glass panels to create a “diamond” shape. It offers a unique geometric look that suits sharp, modern architectural styles.
The “Gold” Standard of Luxury
In the Bangladeshi luxury market, “Stainless Steel” is often considered too plain. Therefore, Fuji suppliers offer premium finishes. Titanium Gold and Rose Gold are the best-sellers. These are not painted; they are chemically etched into the steel. They resist fingerprints and do not fade. A Rose Gold capsule lift moving through a white marble lobby is the ultimate status symbol. It adds immediate value to the property.
Safety Glass Technology
You might worry about the glass breaking. Is it safe to lean against a transparent wall at 50 feet? Absolutely. Fuji panoramic lifts use Laminated Safety Glass. This is the same technology used in car windshields. It consists of two layers of glass bonded with a plastic inner layer. If it breaks, it does not shatter into sharp shards. Rather, it cracks but stays in one piece. It is incredibly strong and blocks 99% of UV rays.
The Heat Challenge in Bangladesh
We live in a tropical country. A glass box sitting in the Dhaka sun acts like a greenhouse. It traps heat. If you install a panoramic lift on the exterior west-facing wall, it will become an oven in the afternoon. Therefore, you must plan for cooling.
- Tinted Glass: Use grey or bronze tinted glass to reduce solar heat gain.
- High-Flow Fans: Ensure the cabin has extra-large cross-flow fans.
- Air Conditioning: For true luxury, you can install a specialized lift AC unit on top of the car.
Privacy vs. View
A glass lift offers a great view, but it also lets people see you. If your lift faces the street, pedestrians can see you in your pajamas. Therefore, many homeowners opt for “One-Way Mirror” finishes. From the inside, you see the street. From the outside, people see a mirror reflection. This maintains your privacy while keeping the open feel of the cabin.
The Cost Premium
Luxury comes at a price. A standard 6-person Fuji lift might cost BDT 16 to 18 Lakh. However, a Panoramic version will cost between BDT 22 to 28 Lakh. Why the difference?
- Glass Cost: Curved laminated glass is expensive to manufacture.
- Aesthetics: The motor and rails are visible, so they must be painted and covered. You cannot leave ugly wires exposed.
- Structure: The cabin frame requires extra reinforcement to hold the heavy glass.
Installation Location: The Void
The most stunning location for a home lift is the “Stair Void.” This is the empty space in the middle of a U-shaped staircase. Installing a square glass lift here saves space. You do not need to build a separate concrete shaft. You can build a steel structure (skeleton) and mount the glass on it. Fuji offers prefabricated steel shafts that match the elevator color. This creates a seamless, integrated look.
Cleaning and Maintenance
This is the one downside no one tells you about. Glass gets dirty. Dust, fingerprints, and rain spots ruin the luxury look. If you install an external capsule lift, how will you clean the outside glass on the 3rd floor? You cannot reach it. Therefore, you must design a maintenance balcony or use a telescopic cleaning pole. If you cannot clean it, the “luxury” quickly turns into “shabby.”
Lighting the Experience
A panoramic lift is most beautiful at night. Fuji cabins come with specialized lighting options. You can have LED strips hidden in the floor or ceiling. Some models feature “Starry Night” ceilings with fiber optic lights. When the lift moves at night, it looks like a moving lantern attached to your building. It highlights the architecture of your entire home.
Conclusion
A Fuji panoramic lift is more than a machine; it is a lifestyle choice. It bridges the gap between functionality and high design. While it costs more and requires more cleaning, the visual impact is unmatched. For a duplex or luxury apartment in Bangladesh, it is the finishing touch that defines the property.
