Comelit to the Manor born

1 Apr 2016

Working in partnership with Luton-­based security installers Silver Group, Comelit has supplied an IP video entry system to Gleneagle Manor, a prestigious new-build development of 25 luxury apartments on the site of a former hotel in Harpenden.

As they arrive at Gleneagle Manor, visitors use Comelit’s Ikall entrance panels, which are located at pedestrian entry points around the site to call residents. The mini lens colour camera in the panel and a two-­way speaker unit then allows audio-­video communication between visitor and resident via a monitor in the apartment.

The Ikall entrance panel specified for this project is completely modular; it can have options such as numerical pushbuttons and a name directory, built-­in access control proximity readers and if required can be audio-­only. This allows installers to create a bespoke configuration for each project to meet the needs of the developer and the particular layout demands of each site. Modular panels of this kind can prolong the life of any installation by allowing upgrades to meet changing site conditions. Additionally, avoiding the use non-­essential components may also results in cost benefits that can be passed on to the project developer or property manager.

Once inside the apartments, Gleneagle Manor residents view and speak to their visitors using Comelit’s Planux Lux IP monitors. The monitors feature a colour 3.5-­inch display screen and allow hands-­free use. Keys on the integrated backlit control panel are capacitive and enable the user to customise the monitor to their exact needs. Options include a privacy function and a setting that grants access to trusted visitors such as community nurses without any interaction at the panel.

Panels and monitors at the apartment complex operate using Comelit’s ViP management system, an IP software suite that can also control concierge units, SIP devices and home automation both from the dedicated ViP range of network products and third-­party equipment.

Remote contact via App

Residents at Gleneagle Manor are able to use smartphone technology to manage their door entry system. When away from home, they can view and communicate with visitors remotely using any PC, Tablet or smartphone device using a Comelit App, over Wi-­‐Fi or 3G/4G. Residents can even grant access to their visitors remotely, and up to four family members from each apartment can simultaneously use the App (iOS or Android.)

Access management for residents and their vehicles

Silver Group has also installed Comelit’s SimpleKey access management solution to give residents easy access at the entrance panels. Benefiting from the flexibility offered by Comelit’s Ikall panel range, the integrator has fitted 500MHz proximity readers in the panels and residents are issued with Mifare® key fobs. Car owners also receive a second fob for longer range (868MHz) communication with vehicle entrance barriers and garages. Comelit’s complete entrance panel range is able to integrate Mifare®technology using SimpleKey, and if required SimpleKey can be used with standalone vandal‐resistant readers.

Dan Wood, Southern Regional Manager, Comelit UK, said: “This project demonstrates our ability to offer a complete, integrated IP access control and door entry solution running on one software platform. Not only does our system use the latest technology on the market, but also it offers a scalable and future-­‐proof system that can evolve as per the needs of the property owners.”

The developers at Gleneagle Manor are Jarvis and its associate company Jarvis Contracting who were able to offer a placement for an apprentice from The Prince’s Trust to gain site experience during the construction phase. The project also includes affordable units and Jarvis has been working with Paradigm Housing Group on these. The new building is in a Georgian style to a design by RDT Architects. It retains mature Victorian landscaped grounds that will be conserved and restocked in keeping with surroundings that include a conservation area.