The new Blavantik School of Government’s mission is to inspire and promote better government across the world. Estimated to cost £55 million, it is located right in the heart of Oxford. With high-profile dignitaries and leading academics visiting from all over the world, plus a growing staff and student cohort of over 200 people, its security has to be outstanding.
The brief was to design and install a multi-layered intruder, CCTV and access control system to protect the public and high profile visitors at this impressive, purpose-built university facility. The design of this stunning building employs glass interior walls, courtyards and skylights to flood the space with natural light to promote discussion and interaction. The building boasts many flexible teaching spaces, two horseshoe shaped lecture theatres and a forum for exhibitions and debate.
integrated building management system
As with all public buildings installing the right fire and security system is paramount
With security a paramount concern, the building has ten ‘zones’ spread over various levels and needed a system that would allow secure entry, intruder detection and a closed circuit television monitoring network for each zone. For maximum future-proofing of the system, it needed to be built on an open protocol and have an integrated building management system.
Project requirements
- Easy visitor flow without loss of security
- Multi-layered security, appropriate to zone
- Tamper-proof, with on & off-site monitoring
- Systems to merge aesthetically into building
- Future-proof system (20 years)
- Adherence to stringent University standards
- Building regulations, Data Protection Act & Private Securities Industry Act compliance
fire and security system
As with all public buildings installing the right fire and security system is paramount. Chris Lewis Fire & Security designed and installed an easy-to-use, non-invasive system that guarantees the safety of its occupants, and allows for the comings and goings of permitted visitors, staff and students. Moreover, with world-famous visitors frequenting the building, it was designed with high levels of security in mind, including:
- Safe routes
- Security landscaping
- Anti-terrorism measures
The biggest challenge that the company overcame was to produce a system that simultaneously allows freedom of movement for visitors and provides the necessary segregation in high security areas. Because this is an architecturally outstanding building, the company’s team also ensured all equipment blended with the aesthetic quality of the building’s design.
access control system
Salto access products were used for the access control system. A complex, multilayered access system ensures only those with the correct authority can enter specific areas of the building. In summary:
- Building entry is controlled by fully networked perimeter doors & turnstiles
- Swipe-cards control access to staircases and lift shafts
- Access to offices and teaching areas is controlled at an individual level
Chris Lewis Fire & Security’s design consultants developed an intruder alarm system that interlinks devices throughout the building, comprising of door monitoring contacts and presence detection units. It is divided into ten individually programmable zones each controlled by authorized individuals.
IP color dome cameras
The tamperproof CCTV system incorporates on and off-site monitoring. HD internal fixed IP color dome cameras and HD vandal resistant external fixed IP day/night dome cameras ensure all areas of the building are protected. Chris Lewis Fire & Security worked closely with the University and the building contractors to install a fully comprehensive security package.
Completed to the highest specifications and designed to safeguard against all security issues, the system will protect the building and its occupants for years to come.
- World-class, high-profile speakers are secure
- High security, but with easy people-flow
- Tamper-proof, robust long-term solution
- Project completed with minimum disruption to staff, students and visitors
All works were completed on time, ready for the building’s official opening by HRH Duke of Cambridge.
specific security requirements
They worked hard as part of a large construction team that delivered a fantastic project for the University of Oxford"
If one has specific security requirements, why not contact the experts at Chris Lewis Fire & Security. They can help one arrange a suitable time to conduct a full security survey and discuss the issues that matter most to their clients.
“Chris Lewis Fire and Security have been willing to understand the needs of this complex organization and meet regularly to review processes and procedures, as well as performance,” says Lisa Hofen (BA CBIFM MRICS), Deputy Head of Strategic Facilities Management, University of Oxford.
service and maintanence
“CLFS were a real asset to the Blavatnik project. They worked hard as part of a large construction team that delivered a fantastic project for the University of Oxford. We are already working with them again and look forward to another success,” states Mike Morris, Laing O’Rourke, Project Director.
“The installation by Chris Lewis has been first class and we enjoy continuing to work with them on service and maintanence issues,” said Andy Darley, Facilities and Services Manager, University of Oxford.