A new digital site access cylinder system, activated by a smartphone, has been implemented by construction contractor Multiplex during the building of R&F Properties’ flagship One Nine Elms development in South London.
Multiplex is the contractor for the design and build of the residential-led, mixed-use, R&F Properties scheme known as One Nine Elms.
Located in the London Borough of Wandsworth, the scheme will include 487 apartments, a luxury hotel and 1,000 sq ft of retail space. Once completed, One Nine Elms will become one of the tallest residential-led developments in Europe, with City Tower containing 56 floors and River Tower containing 42 floors.
Multiplex is the first contractor in the UK to utilise the access technology, replacing the need for physical keys used by contractors on sites.
Solution to lost keys
The new innovation emerged after Rainham-based architectural ironmongers, London Architectural Hardware Ltd was requested by Multiplex to find a solution to the issues caused by keys being handed in late or lost on its site. London Architectural Hardware Ltd worked together with DOM UK Ltd, a leading manufacturer of digital and mechanical solutions and access and control specialists EasySecure, to create the software and hardware which powers the innovative new system.
The system allows contractors to access secure areas through a digital application on their phone, named ‘DOM Key’ which utilises an innovative cylinder lock, known as DOM ENiQ Pro V2 Smartlock Digital cylinder.
Using the EasySecure platform, site personnel will have their login portal and profiles, keeping track of who is accessing properties. Personnel must request key access to a property through their mobile phones using the DOM Key app, and once approved a digital key will be sent to provide access.
Most sites currently utilise traditional mechanical locks whereby personnel provide a handwritten name and signature to access physical keys. In many instances keys go missing. Should damage occur or theft take place within the secure areas the handwritten names can be difficult to read, meaning that cases can go unresolved and reoccur.
Contractors will now have robust records listing personnel who accessed area which include details such as the date and time.
Furthermore, there will no longer be a limitation of keys available to gain access. Previously, keys which had been lost or not handed back promptly caused delays and increased costs.
Andrew Richardson, head of fit out for Multiplex commented: “As a contractor working on some of the most prestigious schemes in the country, we have been looking for a smarter way of providing controlled access rather than relying on mechanical locks and key.
“With the assistance of London Architectural Hardware, DOM and EasySecure, we have developed a unique system which allows access to be provided via smart phones. The benefits are clear with time saving for contractors, easy accessibility and countability, which ultimately increases the efficiency for all.”
A survey was conducted among the workforce of Multiplex at One Nine Elms, and most workers agreed that the new system saved time on site and would recommend it on other sites.
