Based at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Plexal is a new £15m project, acting as a base for an ‘innovation community’ that brings together startups, enterprises and academics under one roof. Plexal sits within the larger Here East complex, the former press and broadcast centres for the London 2012 Olympics, now spaces for technology companies, universities, startups and creatives.
The hub has been fitted with Aperio wireless, access card-based locking from ASSA ABLOY Access Control, which is integrated with DoorFlow, an online platform for managing and auditing building access created by NetNodes. Some 59 Aperio L100 wireless door locks were installed across the site. These locks provide Plexal with physical protection, and transmit data on door status to DoorFlow in real time. A further 31 HiD R10 mobile access locks were also provided where wired products were necessary, such as for the main office entrances, and for elevators.
The locking was installed at Plexal without cabling, and will the installers say reduce the hub’s maintenance costs and energy consumption. The product developers add that Aperio can also upgrade mechanically locked doors and wirelessly connects them – online or offline – to new or existing access control systems.
John Herbert, Facilities Manager at Plexal, said: “What really appealed to me about ASSA ABLOY Access Control’s products was the aesthetics. We have a futuristic-style open plan design here at Plexal – our offices are predominantly glass-fronted, so we needed an effective stylistic design which was not only robust but adaptable too. We foresee change in the not-too-distant future and are delighted at our options to modify.”
Stewart Johnson, Director at NetNodes, adds: “Aperio offers a hardware solution that is well-suited to our online platform, DoorFlow. Plexal required a an adaptable locking solution for a range of different doors and, with no wiring required, it was quick and easy to install Aperio with minimal disruption.
“The open-plan layout of the space and the high glass doors installed throughout the site meant Plexal needed an access control solution that was discreet and adaptable, with Aperio perfectly meeting these demands. Should any additional doors need to be added to the system in the future, this can be done easily, without modifying or changing the aesthetics of the environment. This also minimises future installation costs, offering a cost-effective and straight-forward access control upgrade.”
