The ever-growing need for security and convenience in modern student accommodation has pushed developers to integrate advanced systems that balance safety with ease of use. The Beau Vie II student apartment block in Cape Town is a prime example of this integration, thanks to Paxton’s access control and video management solution.
Located just a 10-minute walk from the University of Stellenbosch, Beau Vie II opened in early 2024, offering students modern, secure, and conveniently located housing. With Patron Capital SA overseeing the development of this high-quality accommodation, their priority was clear: they needed a security system that was robust yet user-friendly, intuitive, and aesthetically pleasing. To achieve this, Patron Capital collaborated with Remote Entry Systems, a seasoned security installation company, which specified Paxton’s comprehensive product range.
Balancing Security with Simplicity
The requirements for Beau Vie II were outlined from the outset. Biometric readers were needed to verify users through fingerprint or facial recognition, enhancing the overall security of the building. In addition, a robust IP camera network was necessary to provide real-time video access and capture, while an intuitive intercom system would streamline visitor access. Central to the project’s success was the need for remote management capabilities, enabling administrators to oversee the system efficiently from any location.
Given the scope and complexity of the requirements, it was crucial for Patron Capital to find a solution that ticked all the boxes without driving up installation and operational costs. After a careful review of five different designs presented by Morné Mellet, Technical Systems Specialist at Remote Entry Systems, Paxton‘s Paxton10 system emerged as the clear choice.
An All-in-One Solution
Paxton10 was selected for its web-based software, which enables remote management and allows users to access doors via smart devices. T
his online access control and video management solution is designed to handle up to 100 sites, supporting up to 1,000 doors, 1,000 cameras, and 50,000 users.
The key selling point for Paxton10 was its seamless integration across different security functions, reducing complexity for both the installer and the end user. “Paxton10’s features met the requirements for Beau Vie II, and its lower cabling and labour costs compared to other brands helped reduce the overall project costs,” Mellet noted.
In addition to its cost-efficiency, Paxton10’s compatibility with other Paxton product ranges like the Paxton10 cameras, video intercom system (Entry), and smart door handle (PaxLock) offered extra flexibility and future-proofing. Mellet highlighted that the ease of installation and user-friendliness of Paxton10 was unparalleled in his 13 years of experience with access control systems.
Security Meets Convenience for Residents
Paxton10 readers were installed in key communal areas and at each apartment’s door, with wireless door handles (PaxLock) providing smart credential access. The Paxton Key app allows residents to use their smartphones or smartwatches as keys, offering a modern, seamless access experience.
The demand for smart credentials quickly grew. Although traditional key fobs were initially provided to residents, the convenience of using phones as access keys led to a shift. Mellet revealed that “about 90% of the residents are only using their phones as keys” after seeing others use the feature. This feature not only simplified access but also met the requirement for biometric-level security, with the added option of requiring users to unlock their device for an extra layer of authentication.
The installation also included Paxton’s Entry video intercom system. An Entry panel was placed at the main entrance, and Entry monitors were installed in each apartment, allowing residents to see and verify visitors via video calls before granting access. The intercom system, fully compatible with Paxton10, enhances security while maintaining ease of use.
Comprehensive Surveillance for Peace of Mind
To further boost security, Paxton’s IP cameras were installed in strategic areas, including the car park and building corridors. These plug-and-play cameras integrate seamlessly with Paxton10, providing live footage and real-time verification capabilities. The positioning of the cameras ensures that each apartment door is monitored, providing essential coverage in the event of emergencies.
Mellet remotely manages the Paxton10 system, taking advantage of its web-based interface to oversee users, doors, and cameras. This remote management capability has proven invaluable for resolving issues quickly and efficiently. “I’ve had a few instances where the client asked me to open doors for maintenance contractors or residents who accidentally locked themselves out of their rooms,” he said. “I was able to visually verify the resident’s identity using real-time video footage before unlocking the door for them.”
Since its launch in early 2024, Beau Vie II has benefited immensely from the Paxton10 system. Both the client, Patron Capital, and the residents have expressed high levels of satisfaction with the solution.
Mackenzie Johnson, Managing Director at Patron Capital SA, remarked: “Paxton10 has significantly enhanced the security and convenience for residents at Beau Vie II. The system’s advanced features provide comprehensive surveillance and streamlined access management, ensuring that the apartment complex remains secure and well-monitored.”
The integration of Paxton’s IP cameras, intercom system, and smart credentials has proven particularly popular, contributing to a sense of safety and ease among the student residents. “The intercom system at the apartment’s front doors has been very well received by the occupants, who appreciate the ease of use and added layer of security it provides,” Johnson added.
Patron Capital also praised the role played by Morné Mellet in ensuring the successful implementation of the system. “His expertise and dedication have been instrumental in the successful installation of this advanced security solution,” said Johnson. Overall, the Paxton10 installation at Beau Vie II has been hailed as a successful upgrade, enhancing both security and resident satisfaction.
The success at Beau Vie II demonstrates how advanced access control and video management solutions like Paxton10 can not only meet but exceed the security needs of modern student accommodation. With its ease of use, remote management capabilities, and seamless integration of various security components, Paxton10 sets a standard for secure, efficient, and cost-effective student housing solutions.