Around 30 IP video entry systems from Castel have been installed on the stunning new £330 million University of Northampton campus. The Waterside campus, developed on the site of a former power station bordering the town centre and River Nene, is designed for 21st century teaching and a low environmental impact. It has a full range of integrated learning environments and a 24/7 library and learning zone. The campus, which opened in autumn 2018 and can accommodate 14,000 students, has been developed in the Waterside area of the town and includes a learning hub, creative hub, sports centre, senate building, hotel and student accommodation village.
Castel video entry stations, installed by Protec Fire & Security Group, have been fitted at the entrances to the senate building, the learning hub, car parks and service yards, while master stations have been fitted in the main security room, backup security room, at the senate reception desk and at the learning hub reception. The entry stations have been integrated with the site’s Salto access control system so that authorised cardholders can gain access using a key fob, while visitors seek entry via the video intercom.
All entry points are single button and a Castel server is installed to handle unanswered calls via call routing and forwarding to other Castel IP handsets.
The Xellip IP solution delivers IP audio-video access across a PoE cabling network. Features such as a built-in induction loop, audio/call progress feedback and coloured LED pictograms help the university to comply with disability discrimination legislation.
Features of the system include call waiting and priority calls, echo and noise cancellation, audio conferencing, group calls, privacy settings, call overflow, call forwarding and voice messaging. The entry panels are vandal-proof and the master stations feature a colour video touchscreen.
“The Castel video entry system complements the 21st century approach to university life reflected in our stunning new campus,” said Becky Bradshaw, Head of Campus Services at the University of Northampton. “We are very pleased with the way the system helps us manage access and security to our buildings in an efficient and relatively effortless way.”
Simon Key, Project Manager at Protec Fire & Security Group, said: “The installation of the Castel system was trouble-free as everything was installed on an IP network, with PoE obviating the need for additional power supply cabling. We are delighted to have worked on this cutting-edge project, showcasing the role of state-of-the-art security systems on a brand new and impressive campus.”
