The Old Bridge House

Originally contracted through an electrical contractor we were invited to tender for a security system at a multi-million pound renovation project in Marlow. The specification was very vague and required a complete re-design. Contact Security were chosen as the preferred installer, after consultations with the client to ascertain there complete requirement from a security system we chose to install:

 

• Intruder Alarm System to Grade 3 Standard
• Video Intercom and Audio Intercom system
• Standalone Access Control System
• Gate Automation systems for front gate and boat house
• All the above installations are integrated into the Crestron Home Automation System.
  
  

  We explained to our client that he was going to have to have a tag to set his alarm and a fob to open his gates. After seeing the tags/fobs he didn’t like the idea of having to add the the two chunky tags, to his already growing set of keys.

We came up with a solution using Paxtons Net2 Air long range cards. The proxy reader on the gate is fitted with the Net2 Air Range expander so you can simply drive upto the gates the reader will search for a card in it’s proximity and if the card is valid the gates will automatically open. We installed Paxton Architectural Readers in all the entrance areas of the building. By presenting the same card to the reader would disable and enable the alarm system.

 

Another benefit of this system is that you can also control access into the grounds and to the alarm from the Paxton front end software. For example, the cleaner is only allowed access to the gates and alarm on Mondays between 9-5. It also gives them an audit trail of who has entered the gates and set/unset the alarm system.  

 

Of course there are also keypads located within 30 seconds of all the entry routes, tucked away in cupboards to act as a manual override if “the key” was forgotten or the Paxton system failed.

Another reason we used the Architectural proximity readers to set/unset the alarm system is that we had constraints on the equipment we could put on the wall. The finishes of all the fittings were to be top quality and not to be compromised. With the Architectural Readers we customised the bezels and the inserts to match the fixtures and fittings in the house. We have gone the extra mile with other items of equipment to make sure we complimented the high quality finish of this superb house.

As this building is Grade 2 listed there were restrictions on the items that we could fix to the exterior. We had to choose CCTV cameras with minimal impact on the aesthetics of the property whilst making sure they were effective in their application within a budget. We opted for the Derwent extreme range of bullet cameras, which fit into their surroundings well, whilst being visible enough to act as a deterrent to intruders.

We integrated the CCTV system into their home automation system and AV installation so that the cameras images can be viewed almost anywhere in the house, either by the touch panels or the TV sets.

Because the client didn’t want a lot of video monitors located around the house and to cut costs we have also integrated the Video/Audio Intercom system into the home automation system. When the button is pushed at the gate or pedestrian gates the touch panels around the house provide an audible tone to alert. Via the wall mounted units you can them talk backwards and forwards with the person at the gate and push the open button on the touch panel. We have also allowed for auxiliary button in this screen and can be used to hold open the gates, switch on lights etc.

The alarm system can also be part set via the touch screen panels in the house. However when this happens police response to the system is disabled. This will also show live update of zone activations.

We have also automating his boat house doors on the river, which we have never known to be done before. There were a number of challenges to overcome within this installation. We opted to use BPT’s MEC800 operators which have a separate hydraulic pump to the arm units to keep all electronics out of the way of the water. The operators needed to be strong enough to cope with the resistance of the water. The transmitter to open these will be fixed to their boat to open and close the boat house doors.

 

If you would like to know more about this installation or would like to know of the other services we can offer please click here to request a free consultation.