Sinking the TV into the floor - the ultimate luxury solution for invisible living spaces
Modern architecture demands clear lines, invisible technology and maximum design freedom. Particularly large televisions from 65 to 98 inches pose the question for planners and building owners: How can I integrate a huge display without destroying the room's aesthetics?
The answer: a TV lift system in the floor. Completely invisible, maximum convenience and a perfect technical solution. Flatlift offers several high-end solutions for this - from the premium floor lift with walk-on flap to the more affordable wall-mounted system.
1. The premium solution: TV floor lift with walk-on floor flap
The high-end solution from Flatlift is a floor-mounted TV lift in which the floor flap remains closed even when extended. The TV rises through a narrow gap, while the cover closes again automatically.
- TV size up to 98 inches
- integrated soundbar
- invisible, even during use
- optional 180° electric swivel function to the left or right
- can be covered with original flooring material
Parquet, tiles, natural stone or vinyl - anything is possible. The floor flap blends into the joint pattern and disappears completely into the room. Depending on the laying skills, only a wafer-thin gap is visible at the end.
2. The cheaper alternative: wall mounting in the floor channel
Flatlift offers a second solution for customers with a smaller budget. The TV lift is mounted on the rear wall of the floor shaft (wall-base system).
The special feature:
- the base plate moves upwards together with the TV
- the plate remains above the TV when the TV is extended
- cheaper than the premium hinged solution
An ideal compromise between price and functionality. The base plate can also be covered with tiles, wood or stone.
3. Convenient control options
Both systems can be operated with all modern control systems:
- KNX home automation
- Room control / push-button / wall panel
- Bluetooth app
- Remote control
This allows the TV lift to be seamlessly integrated into any smart home concept.
4. How is a floor shaft created?
Many people believe that a floor shaft is only possible in new buildings - but that's not true. There are two ways: New construction and retrofitting.
A) New build - the perfect solution
In new builds, the shaft should be planned in at an early stage, taking the architect or site manager into account:
- Floor structure and statics
- Shaft dimensions
- Accessibility for service
- Integration of the floor flap or floor slab
Installation is easiest and cleanest here.
B) Subsequent installation - this also works
Case 1: Basement under the room
The simplest variant:
- Open the floor
- Mount the wooden or steel frame to the cellar ceiling
- Raise the TV lift system through the floor
Flatlift shows an example video from its own showroom.
Case 2: Ground under the room
In this case, a shaft must be installed in the ground. Two tried and tested methods:
- Concrete shaft - is formed and concreted
- Stainless steel box - manufactured by a metalworker, provides reliable protection against soil and moisture
Important: The underground solution must be 100% watertight. An architect, civil engineer or specialist planner should be consulted for this.
5. DIY option: own construction with Linak lifting columns
If you are looking for an individual or particularly budget-friendly solution, you can also build your own floor system using Linak lifting columns, which Flatlift offers.
- system of 2 or 4 possible
- sufficient lift to bring the TV far above the top edge of the finished floor
- perfect for technical rooms, special solutions or individual constructions
This also makes it possible to build your own custom-made system for special projects.
6. Comparison of the three solutions
| The solution | Advantages | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Premium solution with walk-in floor flap | Invisible even during operation, up to 98 inches, soundbar, swivel function | Luxury villas, yachts, modern architecture, high-end design |
Wall mounting in the floor duct |
Less expensive, easier to set up, solid solution | Renovations, budget projects, guest rooms, vacation homes |
| Linak lifting columns DIY | Maximum freedom, flexible, cost-efficient | Technical rooms, special constructions, individual construction |
7. DIN 18533 - Waterproofing of components in contact with the ground
This standard is essential when a floor shaft is in the ground. It regulates
- Sealing against ground moisture
- Sealing against non-pressing and pressing water
- Water impact classes (W1-E to W4-E)
- Crack classes and sealing materials
- Execution of waterproofing at connections, penetrations and joints
- Planning and construction for permanently dry manhole constructions
8. DIN 4034-1 / DIN EN 1917 - Manhole structures
Standards that define the requirements for manhole structures. Relevant for:
- Wall thicknesses and geometry of manholes
- Joint width limitation (e.g. max. 15 mm internal joint)
- Load transfer and static design
- Stability against earth pressure
- Design specifications for connections and components
9. DIN 18195 - Sealing principles
Although superseded by DIN 18533, DIN 18195 remains relevant to clarify terms:
- Basic principles of structural waterproofing
- Material requirements and compatibility
- Classic waterproofing details and principles
10. DIN 1054 - subsoil and stability
Becomes important if the shaft extends into the ground or soil is excavated:
- Checking the soil parameters
- Proof of stability
- Settlement behavior of the soil
- Assessment of the groundwater level
- Securing the excavation pit and shaft walls
11. Checklist for shaft construction & sealing
This checklist helps you to comply with the most important technical standards:
DIN 18533 - Waterproofing
- [ ] Determine water exposure class (W1-E to W4-E)
- [ ] Select type of waterproofing (membranes, liquid plastics, welded sheets)
- [ ] Define crack and space utilization class
- [ ] Seal transitions and joints in accordance with standards
- [ ] Plan penetrations professionally
- [ ] Ensure protection against ground moisture and pressing water
DIN 4034-1 / DIN EN 1917 - Shaft construction
- [ ] Select wall thicknesses statically suitable
- [ ] Observe joint width (max. 15 mm inside)
- [ ] Ensure load transfer between components
- [ ] Design manhole to withstand lateral earth pressure
- [ ] Ensure structural stability
DIN 18195 - Sealing principles
- [ ] Check terminology
- [ ] Observe material compatibility
- [ ] Apply classic sealing details
DIN 1054 - Subsoil
- [ ] Examine subsoil (soil type, bearing capacity)
- [ ] Verify the stability of the shaft
- [ ] Consider settlement behavior
- [ ] Check groundwater level
- [ ] Plan excavation support
12. DIN VDE 0100-520 - Cable and line installation
This standard regulates the general requirements for cable and line installations, in particular
- Selection of suitable cable types for underground installation
- Protection against mechanical damage
- Minimum requirements for installation types
- thermal load capacity in the ground
- Requirements for protective conduits and entries
13. DIN VDE 0276 (series) - Power cables for underground installation
The VDE 0276 series defines which cables are suitable for underground installation and how they must be constructed. Particularly relevant:
DIN VDE 0276-603
- Structure and properties of classic power cables (e.g. NYY, NYCWY)
- Insulation, sheath material, cross-sections
DIN VDE 0276-620/621
- Power cables with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE/XPLE)
- Approval for low voltage and medium voltage in the ground
This standard effectively specifies which cable types may be used at all.
14. DIN 18014 - Foundation earth electrodes & bushings
Relevant for:
- Cable penetrations through floor slabs or concrete structures
- Protection against moisture when passing through
- Use of protective conduits
- Connection to earthing systems
Important if the TV duct is routed through the floor slab or touches a building earthing system.
15. DIN EN 50565-1 / VDE 0298-565-1 - Guidelines for the use of cables
This standard regulates
- permissible types of installation in the ground
- Temperature ranges
- mechanical requirements
- Minimum requirements for the protection of the cable
- Load capacity depending on the soil material
It specifies the safety-related principles for the selection and dimensioning of underground cables.
16. DIN VDE 0891 - Protective conduits for cable installations
This standard defines
- Requirements for cable conduits
- mechanical stability in the ground
- Markings
- Minimum requirements for installation accessories
It is important when:
- Cables require protective conduits
- Cables are routed through the shaft or through the base plate
17. DIN VDE 0100-712 - Photovoltaics (relevant for underground installation)
Even though this standard applies to PV systems, it contains important specifications for
- DC cables in the ground
- increased mechanical protection
- UV resistance & insulation
- additional safety requirements
It is often used as a supplement when DC cables or special cables are routed underground.
18. Technical connection conditions (TAB) of the grid operators - not DIN, but mandatory
These are not a DIN standard, but are mandatory in Germany. They regulate
- Minimum laying depth (60-80 cm private, 80-120 cm public)
- Sand bedding under and above the cable
- Warning tape approx. 20-30 cm above the cable
- Use of cable conduits for penetrations
- Distances to other cables
In practice, TAB is always used in addition to the DIN standards.
19. Checklist: Laying cables in the ground according to DIN & TAB
Use this checklist to ensure that your underground installation complies with standards:
DIN VDE 0100-520
- [ ] Only cable types approved for underground installation selected?
- [ ] Mechanical protection planned (e.g. protective conduit)?
- [ ] Suitable installation method selected?
- [ ] Thermal load capacity taken into account?
- [ ] Entries through walls/floor carried out in accordance with standards?
DIN VDE 0276 series
- [ ] NYY, NYCWY, NA2XY or other tested underground cables used?
- [ ] Sheath material & insulation suitable for underground installation?
- [ ] Cable cross-section calculated according to standard and load?
DIN 18014
- [ ] Cable entry through base plate watertight?
- [ ] Correct protective conduit dimension used?
- [ ] Earthing systems in the area of the shaft observed?
DIN EN 50565-1 / VDE 0298-565-1
- [ ] permissible installation method observed?
- [ ] temperature factor of the floor taken into account?
- [ ] mechanical effects taken into account?
DIN VDE 0891
- [ ] Protective conduits approved & correctly marked?
- [ ] Mechanical stability in the ground ensured?
TAB grid operator
- [ ] Minimum depth observed?
- [ ] Sand bedding under and above the cable?
- [ ] Warning tape laid?
- [ ] Distances to other cables maintained?
- [ ] Protective conduits at entries and exits?
20. Conclusion - Invisible technology at the highest level
A television recessed into the floor is more than just a technical detail - it is a clear statement of design, tidiness and architectural perfection. With the Flatlift systems, even 98-inch TVs disappear completely into the floor and only appear when you want them to.
Whether premium flap solution, wall mounting or individual DIY construction - Flatlift offers the right solution for every project and every budget.
21. Room control integration
We would also like to point out that all Flatlift systems can be fully integrated into KNX, Loxone and other smart home systems. The connection is made via potential-free switching contacts, which can be connected directly to the respective inputs and outputs of the smart home relay modules using patch cables (RJ45/patch plug).
Control via potential-free contacts
Control is standardized via the following contact assignment:
- PIN 4 & PIN 8 → Upward movement
- PIN 5 & PIN 8 → Downward movement
Depending on the Smart Home system, suitable relay modules are used for this purpose.
Integration in KNX
KNX control systems typically use binary outputs that can switch potential-free contacts. By assigning the up/down channels in the ETS programming, the Flatlift system can be operated like a regular KNX actuator.
Compatibility matrix - Smart Home & AV controls
| System | Connection | Special feature |
|---|---|---|
| KNX | Binary output | Potential-free, scene-capable |
| Loxone | Relay | Logic modules, timer |
| Crestron | Relay / IR | Media control, sequences |
| Control4 | Contact / Relay | Automations & AV scenes |
| AMX / RTI | Relay / Trigger | Professional AV control |
Possible functions:
- Operation via KNX push-buttons, displays or visualizations (Gira, Jung, Basalte)
- Integration into KNX scenes, time programs and automation logics
- Combination with presence detectors, light and shutter control
- Integration in KNX-based media rooms and AV control systems
Integration in Loxone
With its relay outputs and extensions (e.g. Relay Extension, Miniserver Go), Loxone offers potential-free contact control directly ex works. Integration is particularly easy:
- Relay 1 → On
- Relay 2 → Down
Examples of Loxone scenes:
- Movie start: TV lift raises, light dims, audio system activated
- Leaving the room: Lift retracts automatically, devices are switched off
- Control via app, wall switch, voice control or automatic programs
Integration of audio/video technology
Flatlift systems can be optimally connected to AV components. The potential-free contacts enable, among other things, direct synchronization with
- Multiroom audio (SONOS, MusicCast, HEOS)
- Projector trigger controls (12V trigger)
- Crestron, AMX, Control4, RTI, KNX AV gateways
- AV receivers and media controllers
This allows TV and projector lifts to start up automatically as soon as a movie starts or a media scene is activated.
Safety and convenience functions
- Programmable lift limitation via time macro or Flatlift/LINAK software
- Anti-collision detection: controller monitors current flow, stops immediately, retracts easily
- Battery box: up to 80 up/down cycles without mains power, no re-initialization after power failure
Standards, safety & quality standards
All Flatlift and LINAK-based systems comply with the relevant European safety and quality standards. They therefore meet the requirements of engineering offices, architects, interior designers and professional system integrators.
- EN 60335-1 - Safety of electrical equipment
Ensures the safe operation of electric motor drive systems in residential and project areas. - EN 62233 - Measurement of electromagnetic fields (EMC)
Regulates the limit values for magnetic fields emitted by electrical devices. Flatlift systems fall well below these limits. - EN 55014 - Interference emissions & immunity
Defines electrotechnical compatibility in the smart home and AV environment, especially in combination with KNX, Loxone or AV controls. - CE conformity
All systems bear the CE mark and therefore comply with the binding European directives for safety, EMC and device protection. - Load capacity & service life according to Flatlift/LINAK test cycles
Flatlift systems are tested for over 200,000 lifting cycles. This corresponds to a design for decades of operation with minimal maintenance and a complaint rate of less than 1%.
By meeting these norms and test standards, Flatlift solutions are ideal for demanding projects in the fields of architecture, yacht fittings, AV integration and high-quality interior concepts.
Invisible luxury. Maximum freedom. Technical perfection.
