The Challenge
A luxury hillside homeowner sought a sophisticated vehicle storage solution that could automatically transfer cars from a storage rack to a car lift enclosed within a glass canopy — then elevate the entire structure with vehicles to a rooftop driveway. The system required seamless automation, precise positioning, and zero manual handling.
The Vasari Solution
The team of engineers at Vasari developed a fully customized solution featuring a mechanical car lift integrated with a belt conveyor system and a bespoke platform drive system — a one-of-a-kind mechanism engineered specifically for this project. This custom drive system enables precise movement and alignment of the vehicle during both transfer and lifting operations.
Connected to the lift is a dedicated two-car storage rack with embedded conveyors to transfer and retrieve the vehicles for positioning onto the car lift.
System Overview
The system combines vertical transport with horizontal vehicle movement. Belt conveyors embedded in the lift platform and the rack automatically transfer vehicles in and out of position. An operator uses a centralized Human-Machine Interface (HMI) to select the vehicle’s destination. The lift lowers into alignment, locks in place, and activates the conveyor system for a smooth transfer into the storage bay.
When vehicles are transferred from the rack system onto the car lift, the system raises the entire glass-enclosed canopy with vehicles up to the driveway where it’s fully revealed. Designed with glass viewing panels on three sides and a powered roll-up door, the enclosure offers both visibility and convenient access. When lowered, the top of the canopy—finished with matching hardscape—blends seamlessly into the driveway, preserving the open space for additional parking and maintaining an unobstructed view of the California skyline.
Key Features:
Bespoke Platform Drive System
This custom-built motion system is the first of its kind for Vasari — designed exclusively for this application to ensure synchronized, controlled vehicle movement.
Integrated Conveyor Rack System
Embedded belt conveyors in both the lift platform and rack system allow automated car transfer, all operated via a user-friendly HMI from the command center.
Side-Mounted Two-Car Rack with Glass Viewing Wall
A dedicated storage rack extends from the lift shaft, allowing cars to be positioned side by side. A glass wall behind the rack provides visual access for a dramatic display inside the residence.
Glass-Enclosed Canopy Lift
A striking design element, the entire glass-enclosed canopy lifts to reveal the vehicle in the driveway area—seamlessly combining functional performance with architectural elegance.
Advanced Safety & Motion
- Bespoke platform drive system for stable vertical travel
- Precision locking mechanisms for each level
- Chain stabilization and guided track movement
- Built-in safety: automated roll-up doors, sensing edges, locking pins, positioning sensors
- Finished design with translucent panels and architectural glass canopy
- 7,000 lbs. lift capacity
Engineering & Design Highlights
- Custom car lift moves cars between lower storage levels and the rooftop driveway
- Multi-position vehicle access
- Conveyor integration for seamless vehicle transition
- One-of-a-kind drive technology tailored to project requirements
The Vasari Benefits
This project is a testament to Vasari’s ability to engineer fully customized vehicle lift systems that go beyond standard solutions. From bespoke drive technology to integrated conveyor automation, Vasari delivers precision-crafted parking systems tailored to each client’s unique vision. Whether it’s luxury residential applications or complex commercial requirements, Vasari excels in designing and building innovative, one-of-a-kind solutions that redefine what’s possible in vertical vehicle storage and presentation.
Project Benefits
- Fully automated vehicle storage and retrieval
- Precision control using custom drive and conveyor systems
- Elevated home value with a functional and luxurious car display
- Turnkey automation — no manual repositioning required
