Cloud Lift at The Roof Gardens

A 3D Printed Lift Interior That Transforms Movement into Atmosphere

How can bespoke digital fabrication transform a lift into an immersive experience?

At The Roof Gardens, Fab.Pub worked closely with Mamou-Mani to transform the lift journey into an emotional and sensory transition, rather than a purely functional space. Mamou-Mani led the creative vision and spatial concept, inspired by atmospheric cloud formations and the idea of lifting guests out of everyday life before they reach the rooftop.

Fab.Pub brought this vision to life through bespoke digital fabrication. Using advanced 3D printing, custom material development and integrated lighting, the lift interior becomes the first immersive moment of the experience.

Soft, cloud-like geometry, gentle translucency and programmable lighting work together to shift mood as guests ascend, setting the tone for the energy and atmosphere of The Roof Gardens above.

THE CHALLENGE: TRANSFORMING A CONFINED, FUNCTIONAL SPACE INTO A SEAMLESS AND IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

The lift presented a highly constrained environment with fixed dimensions, strict safety requirements and limited installation time. The challenge was to retrofit an existing lift interior with a fully bespoke cladding system that felt continuous, soft and atmospheric, while integrating mirrors, controls and lighting without visible disruption.

All of this needed to be achieved within a fast programme and without compromising sustainability or performance.

THE SOLUTION: BESPOKE 3D PRINTED PANELS DESIGNED, FABRICATED AND INSTALLED WITH PRECISION

Fab.Pub digitally scanned the existing lift and designed a complete set of custom-fit panels using parametric modelling and VR tools. Inspired by Mammatus cloud formations, the geometry was developed to create depth, tactility and softness across every surface.

Each panel, measuring approximately 2 x 2 metres, was robotically 3D printed in London using PLA bioplastic. A custom in-house material blend was developed to achieve the right balance of translucency and fire retardancy. The panels were fabricated as seamless elements with no visible joints and backlit with programmable LED lighting, allowing the ambience to shift in response to different events and moods.

From concept to installation, the entire process was completed locally within four weeks.

THE IMPACT: ELEVATING A TRANSITIONAL MOMENT INTO A MEMORABLE BRAND EXPERIENCE

The Cloud Ascent lift transforms a routine journey into a moment of escapism. Guests enter a glowing, tactile cloud environment that subtly alters mood and anticipation as they rise towards the rooftop.

The project demonstrates how digital fabrication can add emotional value to overlooked spaces while remaining efficient, precise and sustainable. Beyond its visual impact, the installation highlights the potential of local, circular 3D printing at an architectural scale. The panels can be crushed and reprinted or industrially composted at the end of their lifecycle, reinforcing a future-focused approach to fabrication.