Running is good for you. It improves cardiovascular fitness, strengthens bones and muscles, and reduces stress. Sometimes running can even lead to groundbreaking innovations. That happened in the early 1990s to KONE engineer Harri Hakala, who went for a run and came up with an idea that changed the elevator industry for good.
The crucial element was the disc-shaped EcoDisc, a motorised traction system that is flat enough to be located inside the elevator shaft. Until then, bulky elements of the hoisting machine were housed in a separate machine room either on the top or bottom of the building. KONE’s EcoDisc® motor freed up that space and let architects get more creative with space usage.
The EcoDisc also brought notable advantages in sustainability: when launched, it used only half of the power needed by comparable conventional systems. Moreover, it used no oil, which removed the risks of soil contamination and fire present in hydraulic systems.
The first working EcoDisc prototype was ready by the end of 1993, and the first set of KONE MonoSpace elevators were installed in 1996. A humorous short movie was produced to introduce MonoSpace to the world.
Initially designed for low-rise installations, the technology was later adapted to mid-and high-rise elevators as well. The demand for machine room-less elevators grew. By the end of the 1990s, the EcoDisc family of hoisting motors had become KONE’s flagship range of products.
Fourth generation redefines sustainability and space efficiency
Over the 30 years since its introduction, MonoSpace has continuously evolved, delivering steady improvements in energy efficiency, passenger comfort, and performance. To mark its 30th anniversary, we have introduced the fourth generation, KONE MonoSpace® 4 DX – the most advanced version yet.
While the core technology remains true to the original 1996 innovation – a testament to the strength and quality of the concept – MonoSpace 4 DX takes sustainability to a new level. Thanks to a high tensile, high friction technology, it offers a light design that reduces moving masses. Therefore, its energy consumption and carbon footprint are even lower compared to previous generations.
“At the same time, MonoSpace 4 DX improves space efficiency. By optimising shaft design and minimising structural modification needs, it simplifies integration into both new and existing buildings,” says Maxime Jaa, head of offering, New Building Solutions, at KONE Europe.
A lifecycle approach to modernisation
Besides new construction, MonoSpace has a major role to play in the modernisation of aged elevators. Even the finest innovations need updates, and just like cars, every elevator needs regular maintenance, upgrades, and eventually, full modernisation.
Partial modernisation is the most sensible and cost-efficient solution for old MonoSpaces. Modernisation can be done either in modules over the years or all at once. With a brand-new comprehensive package for MonoSpaces, the guide rails, counterweight and landing doors are kept in place, while everything else is replaced. Retaining the shaft components makes it a sustainable choice, yet the outcome is still a practically new elevator, with increased speed, very short installation time, and low disturbance to tenants.
“The past 30 years prove that we are a reliable lifecycle partner”, says Hanna Kupari, head of modernisation offering, KONE Europe. “The first and second generation MonoSpaces have now reached their modernisation age, and we have excellent solutions to provide a second life for the equipment that has served our customers all these years.”
From a breakthrough in the 1990s to today’s modernisation needs, the evolution of MonoSpace shows that innovation is not only about what is new, but about how well something endures the test of time.
