Lugarno Platform Lift for Safer Front Porch Access: A Sydney Home Case Study

Published: 2026 | Source: P. R. King & Sons case study

The Project

P. R. King & Sons documented a Lugarno, NSW installation where a homeowner needed a simple way to make a raised front porch and front door easier to reach. The company says the brief was to improve access at the front of the home without overwhelming the entry or compromising the look of the property.

The chosen solution was a TSL 1000 platform lift with two landings. On P. R. King's product page, the TSL 1000 is positioned as a residential low-rise platform lift for wheelchair and pedestrian access up to one metre, with short lead times and a fast installation window. That makes it a useful alternative when a porch or threshold is too high for easy step access but a long external ramp would be awkward or visually heavy.

The company also notes that this model was a more basic version of its newer TSL 1100W platform lift, which suggests the Lugarno job was about matching the right product to the site rather than overspecifying the install. For many homes, that is the real challenge: finding an access solution that is reliable, neat, and proportionate to the entry being modified.

Why This Install Matters

Front-entry access is one of the most important parts of any home modification plan. If the porch or front step becomes a barrier, it affects everyday arrivals, emergency egress, visitors, deliveries, and the ability to leave the house independently. A compact platform lift can solve that problem without taking up the same run length as a full ramp.

For Sydney homeowners comparing options, this case study is a reminder that not every access project needs a major rebuild. Depending on the height difference, available footprint, and mobility needs, a short-rise platform lift can be more practical than trying to force a compliant ramp into a tight front yard or porch layout.

The Company

P. R. King & Sons has been operating in Australia since 1922 and supplies stairlifts, platform lifts, home lifts, and inclinators across multiple states. Their residential access range is built around products that help people move safely through level changes at home, whether the issue is a staircase, an outdoor run, or a raised threshold at the front entry.

Cost and Funding Notes

The source does not list the final installed price for the Lugarno project. Costs for platform lifts usually depend on travel height, electrical setup, landing conditions, weather exposure, and the amount of building work needed around the unit. In practical terms, homeowners should compare the full installed cost against the space demands and construction costs of a ramp option.

This case study also shows why it helps to think in terms of access outcomes rather than product categories alone. Some people looking for "front access ramps" may actually be better served by a platform lift if the site is compact and the rise is modest. An occupational therapist and experienced installer can help decide which route is safer and more workable.

Read more about home access solutions, Sydney access modifications, and NDIS home modification funding.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Always consult a licensed builder and occupational therapist for your specific situation, budget, and funding pathway.