TMB provided technology consultancy services for a new residential development comprising both multi-family and single-family homes. The project involved the design, procurement guidance and implementation planning of a comprehensive technology infrastructure intended to enhance the resident experience, improve operational efficiency and support sustainability initiatives.
The technology scope included:
- Internet connectivity
- Television services
- Access control
- Audio-visual solutions
- EV charging infrastructure
- Parcel management
- Utility sub-metering
- Building management systems
Project Planning and Management
The project began with a consultation phase to understand the development layout and operational requirements. Following this, design information was reviewed and technology recommendations were developed to align with the client’s objectives.
TMB’s planned approach included:
- Reviewing available design documentation
- Conducting site visits where required
- Developing preliminary technology designs and recommendations
- Creating a detailed project plan with milestones and timelines
- Providing procurement guidance
- Planning system integration requirements
- Developing staff training and support documentation
- Supporting ongoing maintenance planning
Key Requirements
Several key requirements were identified during the design phase:
- Connectivity: Reliable, high-speed internet connectivity and consistent Wi-Fi coverage across private residences and communal areas.
- Television Services: Support for both traditional broadcast services and modern streaming platforms.
- Access Control: A secure and scalable solution aligned with operational processes and emergency response requirements.
- Audio-Visual Systems: Centralised AV and music systems with zoning capabilities and smart device integration.
- EV Charging: Infrastructure capable of supporting multiple vehicle types and integrated payment functionality.
- Parcel Management: Integration with resident communications and wider building systems.
- Sustainability Monitoring: Utility sub-metering to support ESG monitoring and reporting objectives.
- Building Management: A Building Management System capable of centralising building operations whilst supporting future expansion and technology upgrades.
Solution Delivered
TMB’s deliverables included:
- Development and issuance of an RFP to multiple vendors for high-speed internet services using predetermined infrastructure and service requirements
- Review, comment and presentation of vendor proposals, including advice on final supplier selection
- Participation in face-to-face vendor meetings and review of final contracts
- Creation of a detailed project plan with milestones and timelines
- Network architecture and infrastructure design
- Hardware and software recommendations
- Development of a systems integration strategy to support interoperability between technology platforms
- Training programmes and support documentation for operational staff
The overall solution encompassed networking, audio-visual systems, EV charging, parcel management, utility sub-metering and building management systems.
Project Rollout
The rollout strategy was designed around the wider development programme, with technology planning taking place alongside the construction process.
The schedule included show home handovers and phased resident occupation, requiring coordination between construction activities, technology installation, testing and operational readiness.
Challenges and Considerations
Several areas required specialist design and coordination, including:
- Ensuring seamless integration between multiple technology systems
- Selecting the most suitable managed internet solution whilst reviewing existing infrastructure provisions
- Balancing security, resident convenience and emergency response requirements within the access control design
- Supporting ESG reporting requirements through utility metering and data collection platforms
- Designing solutions capable of supporting future technology enhancements and operational growth
These considerations were addressed through specialist consultancy, design reviews, procurement guidance and integration planning.
Outcome
The intended outcome was a modern, technology-enabled residential community providing:
- Improved resident connectivity and digital services
- Increased operational efficiency through centralised management systems
- Enhanced building security and access management
- Greater sustainability visibility through ESG reporting and energy monitoring
- Future-ready infrastructure capable of supporting emerging technologies
- Improved resident convenience through connected services such as parcel management and EV charging
Client Feedback
The client was very happy with the final integration of services and continues to contact TMB for assistance with general queries and new service requirements.
Following the success of the project, TMB also met with the selected vendor to discuss opportunities to collaborate on future projects.
