Urmet is providing its IPervoice video entry and access control solution to London City Island, a project in Docklands being dubbed ‘Mini Manhattan.’
As well as accommodation, the 12-acre redeveloped site will feature offices, arts organisations, a gallery and retail outlets.
In total there will be 1,700 apartments across ten buildings, each featuring brickwork in a striking single colour. The island is on a loop of the River Lea, where it joins the Thames, and is being transformed into a glass-and-steel waterside district in keeping with the area’s maritime heritage.
The current phase of this ten-year project will see Urmet door entry equipment installed in 417 homes (two separate buildings) by London-based security systems integrator Heston Apex Europe. The security firm will be responsible for installing Urmet’s recently launched Elekta INOX brushed stainless steel flush-mounted door entry panels. The Elekta INOX has been developed in collaboration with architects to create minimal visual impact and preserve overall aesthetic appearances, with a protrusion of just 2.5mm.
London City Island residents will benefit from using Urmet’s Signo door phones in either audio or video versions, depending on individual property specifications. Like the Elekta INOX, the Signo units, which are compatible with all the main Urmet video door phone systems, are neutral in appearance and exceptionally compact.
London City Island is among the first implementations of the Elekta INOX. The panels include an RF reader, and concierge staff will auto-manage proximity access control for residents, who will use 868 MHz remote control RF tokens, also supplied by Urmet. The panels are optimised for the visually impaired and because the mounting height is flexible, installers are also able to accommodate wheelchair users.
Mark Hagger, Urmet’s Sales and Marketing Director, said: “As more of the ten apartment blocks go up, interaction using our IPervoice system will be invaluable. Concierges at the different buildings will communicate with each other as well as with residents, using our switchboard software. If a concierge is not present, functions can be transferred to another switchboard in another building to give 24/7 coverage and significant operational savings for the building owner.”
Hagger added: “By opting for IPervoice, the client is getting a high-spec future-proofed IP system offering interoperability with other security equipment and helping to achieve the goal of intelligent building management.”
The developer is EcoWorld Ballymore, who is set to transform this section of the Leamouth Peninsula. Infrastructure includes a new footbridge across the Lea that connects the island with Canning Town and public transport, including the London Underground and Docklands Light Railway.
Apartment residents will be able to use a clubhouse, gymnasium, screening rooms, pools and even a spa. The area is set to become a hub for the arts sector, with the English National Ballet and the London Film School relocating to the island. There will be a kilometre of green-fringed waterfront for residents, office workers, students and general visitors to enjoy.
While carrying out the installation, Heston Apex Europe (HAE) has worked with MEP contractors Cilantro Engineering. HAE is an innovative physical security and life systems integrator offering door entry management, access control, IP camera surveillance and fire protection. The company’s projects are carried out to NSI, British and International Standards as well as BAFE. HAE is active in the commercial and public sectors working with end-users ranging from SMEs to Fortune 500 companies. Installations are designed to be low-maintenance but comprehensive servicing and support is available 24/7.
