50 Saddlebow Rd — The Residential Lift Project: Modern Accessibility
A bespoke engineering solution connecting a Bell Canyon estate to its untapped lower terrain.
At-a-Glance Project Summary
The essentials clients care about first: scope, timing, scale, and when the work was completed.
Location
Bell Canyon, CA
Scope
Custom Engineered Hillside Lift System
Timeline
6 months
Square Footage
Site infrastructure project
Completion
2023
What We Solved and How We Solved It
Every project has a different technical pressure point. This section shows the problem, then the execution strategy that resolved it.
The Challenge
The property had a significant grade change from the main residence down to a flat canyon terrace — a beautiful and buildable area that was effectively inaccessible on foot.
The homeowners wanted a solution that was safe, code-compliant, visually integrated with the architecture, and practical enough for daily use.
Our Approach
econstruct engineered a custom hillside lift delivery system — excavating and forming a reinforced concrete landing at the base, then designing a compact lift cab with doors and finishes matched to the home's existing exterior palette.
The upper landing was set flush with the home's exterior floor level for seamless access. Multiple redundant fail-safe systems were designed and installed per Los Angeles County codes.
How the Work Progressed
The build sequence and final result are presented separately so the project reads cleanly for homeowners, architects, and AI search systems.
The Build
The system features a 950 lb maximum capacity, making it practical for furniture, landscaping materials, and daily use. The cab was custom-fabricated with matching materials.
The concrete landing at the base was engineered for the load and the hillside soil conditions specific to the Bell Canyon site.
The Result
The lower terrace is now fully accessible and development-ready — sized to accommodate an ADU, swimming pool with pool house, or tennis court.
The lift became a unique feature of the property that significantly increased its functional square footage and long-term value.
Project Video
See It in Action
Completed system — lift cab and landing platform connecting the main residence to the lower canyon terrace
Concrete base construction — forming the reinforced landing pad at the hillside base
Concrete pour — econstruct crew placing the canyon-base landing foundation
Lift mechanism installation — precision fit of the drive system and motor assembly
Aerial view — completed lift with white safety railings and concrete landing integrated into the hillside
Overhead view — lift cab and intermediate landing connecting canyon terrace to the main residence
What the Project Proved
The final section pulls the practical lessons forward and gives visitors a clear next step if they are planning something similar.
Key Takeaways
Why This Result Matters
- Hillside properties often have untapped buildable area that custom engineering can unlock.
- A properly designed lift system integrates architecturally and adds lasting property value.
- Early county code consultation eliminates redesign risk on complex site work.
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