Plan the risers and shafts

In a tower, every ELV service climbs the same building. Plan enough riser space for ICT, CCTV, access control, fire alarm, intercom and BMS from the start. Show the riser layout on the drawings, with separation between power and data cables, and leave spare capacity for future services and tenants. Under-sized risers are one of the most common causes of later rework.

Networks and fibre

Provide a fibre backbone to each floor, with a clear demarcation point for the telecom or internet provider. Coordinate the provider's entry route and equipment space early, because providers design their own connections. For common areas, plan Wi-Fi coverage and network segments that keep residents, building systems and management networks separate.

Intercom and access control

  • Specify video intercom at each entrance, with call routing to apartments and a clear fallback for failed calls.
  • Plan access control at the main lobby, car park, gates, stair doors and amenity areas, with credential management and visitor access.
  • Link gate barriers and car park access to the access control and CCTV systems so that the same record covers each entry.

CCTV for lobbies, car parks and perimeters

Cover lobbies, lifts, car parks, gates and the compound perimeter, aiming cameras at the purpose of each area. Set recording and retention periods, and restrict access to recordings. Where cameras cover apartment entrances or shared corridors, check the privacy effects before finalising the field of view. The data privacy checks on our data privacy and CCTV page apply here.

Fire zoning and common areas

Zone the fire alarm by floor and by common area, so the fire service can identify the location of any alarm quickly. Confirm the fire authority's requirements for zoning, panel location and any monitoring connection at the start of the project.

Checklist

  • Riser layout shown on drawings, with separation and spare capacity.
  • Fibre backbone with the provider demarcation point confirmed.
  • Intercom and access control defined for each entrance, car park, gate and amenity.
  • CCTV coverage, retention and access rules recorded per area.
  • Fire alarm zones and panel location confirmed with the fire authority.
  • BMS points for central plant, lifts and water systems defined.
  • BIM model and drawings coordinated with MEP and structure.

Final requirements are set by the authorities and the client's specification. We provide the design package within the agreed scope.