The enclosed vertical space in a building containing the elevator car, counterweight, guide rails, and associated mechanical and electrical equipment.
Full Definition
The hoistway — also called the shaft or well — is the dedicated structural enclosure through which the elevator travels. It must be enclosed on all sides by walls, floors, and ceilings with fire resistance matching the building structure. Access is limited to the car top, pit, and machine room. EN 81-20 §5.2 specifies clearances between moving parts and hoistway walls (minimum 50 mm for car, 50 mm for counterweight), ventilation requirements, and prohibition of non-elevator piping or cables within the shaft. Structural loads from guide rail brackets are transferred directly to the building.
