2N brings the latest access control technologies to private and social housing in West London

2N, the global market pioneer in internet-enabled intercoms and access control systems, has upgraded a residential project in the UK to improve security and enable residents to take calls on their phones when they are not at home. 

Sperry and Gilbert House

Sperry and Gilbert House are residential units providing both private and social housing flats. The buildings are part of a larger complex though each apartment block is standalone. The two blocks share a main gate and there is access to both buildings from the basement car park.

The two are also linked by doors on five floors that need to remain locked for security, although certain groups – cleaners, and maintenance, for example, need full access. 

Upgrading access control system

There was also a need to integrate the access solution with a new CCTV IP system

When the decision was taken to upgrade the access control system, it rapidly became clear that the project’s requirements could only be met by the most modern IP solution with the flexibility to enable new features in line with advances in technology. 

One priority, for example, was to incorporate mobile apps so that residents could take calls when they were not at home. There was also a need to integrate the access solution with a new CCTV IP system to record incidents around the doors (such as broken glass activation and failed PIN code attempts).

GDPR-compliant access control

On top of that, each block has a single lift and, in the event of a lift failure, it needed to be possible to grant easy access via the other building. Other requirements included GDPR-compliant access control logs and a ‘future proof’ system that could, for instance, enable QR code access for deliveries, tradespeople, and visitors.

All features that are currently supported by 2N or are due to be released on imminent firmware releases. Allowing the Systems Integrator iQual to add new features to the existing solution when they become available. 

2N® IP Style intercoms

2N® IP Style intercoms were installed at the main doors to Sperry House and Gilbert House and at the main shared gate

At the same time, other more traditional elements were also prioritised. The access control devices needed to be highly resistant to vandalism and able to utilise existing cabling to avoid the need for re-cabling and re-decoration. They also needed to enhance the flats and the buildings aesthetically. 

The residents’ association, based on their research, identified 2N as a possible technology provider, and four different 2N devices ended up being incorporated into the access solution.  

Three 2N® IP Style intercoms were installed at the main doors to Sperry House and Gilbert House and at the main shared gate for the two buildings. 2N’s flagship intercom, the 2N® IP Style includes a full-HD camera and a 10” touchscreen display.

IP Verso security intercom

A 2N® IP Verso security intercom, with multiple buttons to match the respective flat numbers, was then installed at the ground floor entrance to flats in Sperry House.

Eight 2N® Access Unit 2.0 access readers were also used to manage the entry to/from the post rooms and car parks, and through the internal link doors. Every apartment was then fitted out with a 2N® Indoor View answering unit, with residents receiving video calls on its 7″ touchscreen.

My2N app

API integration commands programmed key events to enable alert triggers to be sent

The requested mobile phone integration was enabled by the My2N app, which allows residents to answer video calls from the intercoms remotely for a full overview of attempted visits to their homes. 

API integration commands programmed key events to enable alert triggers to be sent from a newly supplied CCTV system with still images in the affected areas. 

Enhanced video quality

Paul Blundell from Systems Integrator iQual, said, “The residents enjoy the new solution. There was a video system in place previously, but it was black and white and was difficult to operate."

Paul Blundell adds, "The video quality we have is on a completely different level, easy to support, while enhancing the end-user experience and the fact that they can now access video calls on their mobile phones gives the whole thing a ‘wow’ factor. Most important of all, though, the new system is fully reliable, and the upgrades significantly improve the security of the buildings.”