Case Studies

Digital entrance panels

by Mark Rowe

A case study of access control for 639 apartments – high-end and affordable – in a 60-acre mixed-use development site in Battersea, south London. The site will also host the new US embassy.

Consulting engineers, Hoare Lea, opted for bespoke stainless steel digital entrance panels from Comelit‘s ViP range. Twelve panels have been installed at door stations across the seven blocks of apartments. Facility managers and installers will appreciate that the panels have access codes of up to eight digits and integrated RFID readers can also be fitted.

Residents in the privately owned apartments are able to view their visitors on Planux colour video monitors with a 3.5-inch on-screen display. The monitors feature polyphonic ringtones, a memo video function and SD card slot. They also have scope for use as a desktop version. In the affordable section of the development, residents use the Easycom full duplex hands-free intercom, featuring privacy of conversation, active audio LED signalling, door lock command and six configurable buttons.

Embassy Gardens uses audio-video porter switchboard units that provide two-way contact (text and image messages) between concierges and the apartments, offering security for residents. Part of Comelit’s integrated IP suite, the access control units also allow the concierge to observe and hear activity at the entrance panel stations. A concierge can see the name or apartment number of the resident being called. This feature is of use if a resident is known to be elderly or vulnerable.

Installers can do maintenance, system health checks and pre-installation configuration off-site, which reduces costs and minimises disruption the product company says.

Residents in the privately owned apartments with the Planux colour monitors can have video intercom calls diverted to their smart devices and are even able to grant or deny access remotely. Site managers can update the name directory via software, as well as send messages to all residents or to sub-groups and individuals. One option for residents who do not wish to be disturbed is to record a message to this effect, which will be audible from the entrance panel when visitors arrive. Facility managers using ViP also have the option of configuring the system to allow automatic entry for couriers and trusted contractors or health workers and are able to fine-tune these access rights for defined areas.

Francesca Boeris, Managing Director, Comelit UK, said: “The presence of the new US embassy within this site underlines the cutting-edge technology that has been used throughout. Comelit is delighted that Embassy Gardens residents are able to benefit from the powerful features offered by local and remote use of our IP systems. We are also pleased that off-site diagnostics and maintenance will reduce costs for the installer and end-user.”

The master plan architects for Embassy Gardens are Terry Farrell and Partners, who are known for mixed-use schemes of this kind in London. Embassy Gardens will feature office space, retail and leisure facilities, flexible community amenities and a 100-bed hotel. The developer is Ballymore Group.

In London, Comelit’s recent residential projects include installations of IP access control equipment at Islington (Queensland Terrace), Colindale (Beaufort Park), Mill Hill (Hammers Lane) and Richmond (Kew Bridge West).

About Comelit

The Italian manufacturer of video and audio door entry systems, access control, video surveillance, telephones and telephone switchboards has its products sold in 70 countries through a technical and sales network. Visit http://www.comelitgroup.co.uk/uk.

Related News

Newsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay on top of security news and events.

© 2024 Professional Security Magazine. All rights reserved.

Website by MSEC Marketing