Project Overview

Nestled in the vibrant and increasingly sought-after town of Sidcup, South East London, Pavilion House is a new benchmark in student accommodation. Designed to meet the expectations of today’s tech-savvy, independent students, Pavilion House features 18 high-specification apartments. These are tailored for a generation that demands style, security, autonomy and smart living - without compromise.

More than just a place to sleep and study, Pavilion House is a connected environment. It seamlessly integrates lifestyle, design and technology. At the heart of this intelligent infrastructure is a fully integrated IP access control and intercom solution designed and supplied by CIE-Group and powered by the state-of-the-art 2N range of products.

The Vision: Luxury meets functionality

The vision behind Pavilion House was clear from the outset: provide students with a level of quality and sophistication typically reserved for luxury apartment developments.

Darren Smith, Director of Carbon Spring, explains:
"We try to provide a discernibly better product than the average. Quality and detail are incredibly important to us; our target customers notice that - and they appreciate it."

"Pavilion House isn't about catering to the 80% of students looking for shared spaces. It's for the student who wants their own kitchen, their own place, their own privacy."

He adds:  "We've had high-end residential projects where young professionals caused more problems than students. It’s about the individual. That’s why we design for people who expect independence, comfort and quality."

This drive for excellence made traditional mechanical locks obsolete. Pavilion House required a smart, futureproof system that would integrate access control, intercom and security into one frictionless platform. The 2N IP product suite provided the ideal solution.

System Requirements

The project required:

• A keyless entry solution
• Flexible access for residents, guests, tradespeople and management
• Centralised system management with real-time credential updates
• Aesthetically pleasing devices that matched the modern design
• Secure, reliable and scalable architecture

With access to 18 apartments, communal spaces and individual mailboxes, Pavilion House posed a significant logistical challenge. The solution had to accommodate complex access scenarios, from entry via the main door to in-apartment delivery access and Bluetooth-enabled mailbox entry.

"We weren’t just looking for a lock," says Darren. "We needed a holistic system. One platform to handle access to apartments, gates, mailboxes, riser cupboards - all with different levels of security and all managed from a single interface."

The Solution: Powered by 2N, designed by CIE

CIE-Group’s in-house team worked closely with system integrator iQual to deliver a sophisticated IP-based access solution using the latest from 2N's product line. The system architecture includes:

• 1 x 2N IP Style digital touchscreen door intercom
• 19 x 2N IP Access Unit 2.0 readers with Bluetooth & RFID capability
• 18 x 2N Security Relay modules for secure internal access
• 1 x 2N Access Commander with Advanced License & mini-PC for system management
• Flush mount accessories for sleek in-wall installations

Each apartment is secured by its own Bluetooth-enabled Access Unit 2.0, providing secure and convenient mobile phone access.

Paul Blundell of iQual explains:
"Every apartment is fitted with Bluetooth readers, giving residents keyless, smartphone-based access. It’s a seamless, secure solution that matches the lifestyle and expectations of today’s students."

The technology that sets Pavilion House apart

The flagship 2N IP Style smart intercom sits proudly at the main entrance of Pavilion House. This flagship unit combines a modern design with a powerful 10-inch touchscreen interface. Jez Hildred of 2N describes it as:

"An iPad on steroids - intuitive, adaptable and incredibly robust. It doesn’t just look good; it does more."

Darren Smith elaborates:
"It’s not just about looks. The IP Style gives us flexibility through software. We can tailor the interface, change the display and messaging. Our residents walk up and immediately know how to use it."

2N's WaveKey technology, integrated into all Access Unit 2.0 devices, allows residents to enter their apartments using their smartphone, securely and effortlessly.

"The students love the frictionless entry. Walk up to the building with bags in hand and it unlocks automatically. Inside the building, the access requirements vary - for the apartment we require biometrics, for the mailbox, simpler access. 2N gives us the flexibility to do that on one platform," says Darren.

Integrated Mailbox Access

In a move that takes smart living to the next level, Pavilion House residents can even open their mailbox using Bluetooth credentials. No fumbling for keys or forgotten combinations - just seamless, secure access.

Each mailbox is equipped with a Bluetooth-enabled lock that syncs with the Pavilion House mobile app. When a resident approaches the mailbox within a defined proximity, the app authenticates their identity and unlocks the mailbox automatically - eliminating the need for physical keys or manual codes. This seamless experience is powered by encrypted Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication, ensuring both security and efficiency.

Mail delivery personnel are granted time-limited access credentials via the system’s administrative portal. These permissions can be scheduled and revoked remotely, offering flexible delivery windows while maintaining security. The system also logs all mailbox interactions, including time stamps and user identification, providing an auditable record accessible through the app dashboard.

This integration supports alerts and notifications, so residents receive real-time updates when mail is delivered or the mailbox is accessed. In multi-unit dwellings, each resident’s access is confined to their designated mailbox, preventing unauthorised entry. The Bluetooth system operates on low power, with battery status updates available in the app to prevent lockouts due to power loss. Overall, Bluetooth-enabled mailbox access is a secure, user-friendly component of the Pavilion House ecosystem.

Design meets security

From the beginning, the Pavilion House team was determined not to compromise on aesthetics.

"We didn’t want this to feel like a hotel or an office. It needed to feel like home — but a very secure, high-tech one," Darren states.

The flush-mounted readers and intercom panels blend into the building’s modern interior and exterior design. The use of black-framed Verso installation accessories and back boxes ensured the clean lines and contemporary finish extended throughout the property.

The Installer’s Perspective

Paul Blundell of iQual explains the technical challenge and the elegant solution:

"From day one, we knew this was going to be a challenging project. But working with CIE and 2N meant we could specify the exact system we needed. The flexibility of 2N’s software platform is a game-changer. We could configure user interfaces, access permissions and integrations exactly as needed."

Paul adds that the Access Commander platform simplifies administration:
"Credential management, logging and access rights can all be controlled remotely. If a phone is lost or a student moves out, we just click to revoke access."

A Seamless Collaboration

This project was a showcase of effective collaboration:

• Carbon Spring set the vision for a smart, secure and stylish student living environment.
• iQual delivered a flawless installation with attention to design and detail.
• 2N provided the flexible technology that could meet every need.
• CIE-Group brought it all together with expert system design, specification and supply.

Jez Hildred summarises:

"This isn’t just about door entry. It’s about creating a smarter building experience. Pavilion House leads the way in demonstrating what’s possible with intelligent access solutions."

Looking to the Future

The Pavilion House project team designed the system not just for today, but with tomorrow in mind. The infrastructure can scale, expand and adapt to future needs - whether it’s integration with building management systems or third-party smart home platforms.

Darren Smith reflects:

"If you design it from the outset, knowing where you’re going, then it doesn’t need to cost more. We’ve achieved everything we set out to do, kept ourselves open for the future and delivered an integrated solution."

"We're genuinely pushing the 2N system to its full capabilities. It’s not just access control - it's building intelligence. We’re huge fans of what 2N and CIE have helped us achieve."

What is 2N Wavekey?

2N Wavekey is a Bluetooth-based mobile access technology that gives building owners and users safer options for accessing and reconfiguring the office or a residential space.

There are 4 different authentication methods to use Wavekey, these are touch mode, contactless tap mode, motion mode and card mode.

1. Touch mode ensures absolute convenience. Users only touch the reader with their hand or elbow and leave their phone in their pocket.
2. Contactless tap in app mode offers greater security. Users must disable any lock screen and open the door via a virtual button in the app. This is also an ideal way to open the exit gate from a car park while sitting in the car.
3. Motion mode is completely contactless. All you have to do is approach the video intercom with the phone in your pocket or wave your hand over its camera and the door will open.
4. Card mode allows the phone works as a 'key card' and the user has to place it right next to the reader. This is similar to the popular NFC technology, but with WaveKey, it works with Android and iOS phones.