Elevator Installation in Wood Structures and Mass Timber Buildings

A Smarter Way to Build: Elevators in Wood Structures

Wood and mass timber construction are becoming more common in modern building design, including mid-rise residential, mixed-use, and commercial buildings. As more projects use wood structural systems, elevator solutions designed for wood hoistways are becoming increasingly important.

KONE has developed an approved method for attaching elevator guide rail brackets in wood hoistways, helping support elevator installation in certain wood structures using approved structural timber connections.

This solution may be used with KONE MonoSpace® 300 DX and KONE MonoSpace® 500 DX elevators, subject to project requirements, engineering review, and local code approvals.

Elevator Installation in Wood Hoistways: What’s New

A wood insert system using structural timber lag bolts has been approved for use throughout the full hoistway height in both seismic and non-seismic applications, where permitted by local code and project engineering requirements.

This method allows elevator guide rail brackets to be attached to wood structural members using engineered inserts and lag bolt connections, which may reduce the need for certain traditional steel attachment methods depending on the project design.

This approach may be applicable for:

• Mass timber buildings
• CLT (cross-laminated timber) buildings
• Wood-frame mid-rise buildings
• Hybrid wood and steel structures
• Residential and mixed-use buildings

Project-specific engineering and code review are required for each installation.

Why This Matters for Wood Construction Projects

Potential Cost Considerations

In some applications, a 60-inch Hilti insert with lag bolts may cost significantly less than certain steel plate or tube steel solutions, depending on project design, materials, and installation requirements. Actual cost differences will vary by project.

Installation Considerations

The approved insert solution may simplify certain aspects of the attachment process for elevator guide rails in wood hoistways, depending on building design and structural conditions.

Code Compliance and Approvals

The solution is supported by ICC-ES evaluation reports, which may assist with acceptance by building officials and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs). Final approval is subject to local codes, engineering review, and project-specific requirements.

Designed for Modern Wood Buildings

As mass timber and wood construction continue to grow in popularity, elevator systems are being adapted to support these building methods where permitted and appropriate.

Elevators for Mass Timber and Wood Buildings

The following KONE elevator systems may be compatible with approved wood hoistway insert solutions, depending on project design and engineering requirements:

• KONE MonoSpace® 300 DX elevator
• KONE MonoSpace® 500 DX elevator

These machine-room-less elevators are commonly used in:

• Multifamily residential buildings
• Office buildings
• Hotels
• Healthcare buildings
• Educational buildings
• Mixed-use developments
• Mass timber construction projects

Elevator selection and installation methods should always be evaluated based on the specific building design and regulatory requirements.

Plan Smarter. Build with Confidence.

Modern construction methods continue to evolve, including increased use of wood and mass timber structures. Elevator systems must be evaluated and designed to align with these building methods and applicable codes.

KONE provides elevator solutions that may be used in wood hoistway construction when designed and approved for the specific project.

A KONE representative can help evaluate potential elevator solutions for your building based on project requirements.

👉 Contact your KONE representative to learn more about integrating wood hoistway solutions into your next project.

View important documents:

• KONE MonoSpace 300 DX Configuration and Dimensions
  
• KONE MonoSpace 500 DX Configuration and Dimensions 150 ft.
• KONE MonoSpace 500 DX Configuration and Dimensions 350 ft.

Frequently Asked Questions About Elevators in Wood Buildings

Can elevators be installed in wood buildings?

Yes, elevators can be installed in wood buildings when the hoistway and attachment methods are properly engineered and approved according to applicable building codes and project requirements.

What elevators can be used in mass timber buildings?

Elevators such as the KONE MonoSpace 300 DX and KONE MonoSpace 500 DX may be used in certain mass timber and wood structure projects when designed and approved for the specific building.

How are elevator guide rails attached in wood hoistways?

Guide rail brackets may be attached using engineered wood insert systems with structural lag bolt connections, subject to engineering review and code approval.

Are elevators in wood buildings code compliant?

Code compliance depends on building design, engineering review, and approval by local authorities having jurisdiction.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, technical, or professional advice. Maintenance strategies should be selected based on the specific needs, equipment, and regulatory requirements of each building. Results may vary depending on building type, equipment condition, and service provider. For guidance tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified professional or KONE representative.