Archives: Case Studies

  • The Gap Patnership – Management Consultancy

    The Gap Patnership – Management Consultancy

    Wi-Fi Works was initially approached to upgrade the door access system at this Hertfordshire-based company, replacing an outdated and partially operational system with a modern UniFi Access solution.

    The first phase included three controlled doors with G3 Intercoms and new structured cabling throughout. From there, the project expanded into a wider UniFi rollout encompassing CCTV and network infrastructure.

    For surveillance, we installed a combination of fixed G6 Turret cameras and G6 PTZ cameras, providing comprehensive coverage across the large site. As the property is an impressive older stately-home building, particular care was taken with cable routes, equipment positioning and overall aesthetics to ensure the technology remained sympathetic to the character of the property.

    The network was also upgraded with Wi-Fi 7 U7 XG access points and a series of 48-port UniFi switches, providing a modern high-performance wired and wireless infrastructure. A UNVR Pro was installed as part of the central UniFi platform, bringing the site’s systems together for straightforward management and monitoring.

    The installation presented several practical challenges, including ceilings approaching five metres in height, requiring tower access, as well as limited installation windows to complete and integrate the work with minimal disruption. Extensive pre-configuration helped us deliver the project efficiently within those constraints.

    The client has been extremely happy with the completed installation, and we’re now looking at the next phase of the project. This includes replacing the company’s existing staff check-in/check-out system with additional UniFi G3 Readers and exploring integration with the site’s alarm system – further consolidating the property onto a single UniFi platform….

  • Perspectum, Oxford

    Perspectum, Oxford

    Full UniFi Network, CCTV & Access Control Deployment

    We were brought in to replace a failing legacy access control system and deliver a fully integrated UniFi solution across a commercial office environment.


    The Challenge

    The existing system was unreliable and managed through outdated software, creating issues with access control, monitoring and day-to-day usability.

    The client required:

    • A modern, reliable access control system 
    • Improved CCTV coverage and storage 
    • A fully unified platform for easier management 
    • Scalability for future growth 

    The Solution

    We designed and installed a complete UniFi system, bringing all elements under one platform.

    Access Control

    • Deployment of multiple door controllers and readers 
    • Integration across key entry points including front and rear access 
    • Installation of enterprise hubs and lift integration kits 

    CCTV System

    • Full upgrade to UniFi Protect 
    • Installation of internal and external cameras 
    • Centralised recording using a UniFi ENVR with multiple drives for redundancy 

    Network Infrastructure

    • Installation of a high-performance UniFi gateway and switching stack 
    • Structured cabling throughout the property 
    • Full system consolidation under a single controller 

    The Result

    The site now operates on a single, reliable platform with full visibility across access, CCTV and network infrastructure.

    • Simplified day-to-day management 
    • Improved security and monitoring 
    • Scalable system ready for future expansion 
    • Clean handover with ongoing support
  • Silvaco Cambridge

    Silvaco Cambridge

    We were asked to take over an existing system within a vacant office space and prepare it for new tenants, improving reliability and expanding functionality.


    The Challenge

    The property had:

    • An outdated access control system reliant on legacy hardware 
    • Limited visibility and control 
    • A partial UniFi setup already in place 
    • A requirement to integrate with fire alarm systems for safe door release 

    The Solution

    We restructured and expanded the system to bring everything under a unified platform.

    Access Control Upgrade

    • Replacement of the legacy system with UniFi access control 
    • Installation of new readers and door controllers 
    • Integration with fire alarm relays for fail-safe door release 

    CCTV Expansion

    • Additional UniFi cameras installed internally and externally 
    • Centralised management and monitoring 

    Network Improvements

    • Optimisation of the existing UniFi network 
    • Additional infrastructure to support new layouts and tenants 

    The Result

    The building now benefits from a modern, scalable system ready for occupancy.

    • Reliable access control across the site 
    • Fully integrated network and CCTV 
    • Improved safety through fire alarm integration 
    • Flexible system for future tenant requirements
  • Pineapple Dance Studios, London

    Pineapple Dance Studios, London

    High-Density Wi-Fi & Network Upgrade

    We were brought in to replace a legacy, pieced-together network and deliver a reliable, high-performance Wi-Fi solution for one of London’s busiest dance studios.


    The Challenge

    The existing network had evolved over time and lacked a clear structure, resulting in inconsistent performance and limited scalability.

    The site experiences extremely high daily footfall, often exceeding 1,000 visitors, alongside staff and operational systems.

    The client required:

    • Reliable, high-density Wi-Fi across multiple studios 
    • A structured, well-designed network 
    • Separation between guest, staff and operational traffic 
    • A system capable of supporting ongoing growth 

    The Solution

    We designed and installed a complete UniFi-based network, replacing the existing infrastructure and introducing a structured, scalable system.

    Network Infrastructure Upgrade

    • Replacement of gateway, switching and wireless infrastructure 
    • Deployment of enterprise-grade access points across studio spaces 
    • Integration with existing leased line connectivity 

    Wi-Fi Design for High Density

    • Careful access point placement for consistent coverage 
    • Optimisation for high user volumes across multiple studios 
    • Reliable performance during peak usage periods 

    Network Segmentation

    • Implementation of VLANs to separate guest, staff and operational traffic 
    • Dedicated networks to support audio systems within studios 
    • Improved security and performance across the site 

    Ongoing Support & Expansion

    Following the initial installation, we have continued to support and develop the system.

    • Ongoing remote management and support 
    • Addition of CCTV using UniFi Protect 
    • Continuous optimisation as usage demands evolve 

    The Result

    The studio now operates on a stable, high-performance network designed to handle large volumes of users day-to-day.

    • Reliable Wi-Fi across all studio spaces 
    • Structured and scalable network design 
    • Improved user experience for both staff and visitors 
    • Long-term partnership with ongoing support
  • Europe’s Largest Residential Indoor Coral Reef – Hyde Park, London

    Europe’s Largest Residential Indoor Coral Reef – Hyde Park, London

    Project Overview

    Located on the edge of Hyde Park in Central London, this extraordinary private residence houses what is widely regarded as Europe’s largest indoor residential coral reef aquarium.

    The installation recreates a fully functioning tropical reef ecosystem in a London basement environment — requiring precise environmental control, continuous monitoring, and absolute network reliability to sustain coral growth, marine life, specialist lighting systems, circulation pumps, filtration, and temperature regulation.


    The Challenge

    A living coral reef demands:

    • Stable water temperature within tight tolerances
    • Highly controlled lighting cycles that replicate tropical daylight
    • Continuous circulation, filtration and oxygenation
    • Remote monitoring and alerting
    • Zero downtime

    The client had an existing network and control system in place, but it had become:

    • Difficult to manage
    • Hard to monitor remotely
    • Unreliable under load
    • Lacking proper segmentation between residential and technical systems

    With mission-critical aquarium equipment operating both:

    • Above and around the display tank
    • In the technical plant/sump room
    • Throughout the apartment infrastructure

    — the system needed a complete rethink.


    Our Approach

    After a full technical site survey, we designed and deployed a fully managed network infrastructure built on the Ubiquiti Inc. UniFi platform.

    Key Deliverables

    1. Full Network Migration

    We removed the legacy infrastructure and migrated the entire property onto a managed UniFi ecosystem.

    2. Managed Controller & Switching

    Installed a centralised controller with managed PoE switching to provide:

    • Real-time visibility
    • Performance analytics
    • Remote support capability
    • Simplified maintenance

    3. Extended Wi-Fi Coverage

    We redesigned and extended wireless coverage throughout the apartment to ensure stable connectivity for both residential use and aquarium systems.

    4. Dedicated Aquarium VLAN

    A critical element of the solution was creating a separate managed VLAN exclusively for the aquarium equipment.

    This allowed:

    • Isolation from the residential network
    • Increased security
    • Controlled traffic prioritisation
    • Greater resilience
    • Easier troubleshooting

    All pumps, lighting systems, temperature controllers and monitoring equipment were segmented onto this dedicated network.


    The Result

    The solution has now been operational for approximately five years.

    During that time:

    • The system has remained stable and reliable
    • Environmental controls have operated without disruption
    • Firmware and hardware upgrades have been handled seamlessly
    • The client has required minimal reactive support
    • The coral reef continues to thrive under consistent environmental conditions

    The network has effectively become invisible — doing its job quietly in the background while supporting one of the most technically demanding private residential environments in Europe.


    Why It Matters

    Living ecosystems depend on precision.

    By delivering a properly segmented, professionally managed network infrastructure, we ensured that:

    • Environmental controls remain stable
    • Remote monitoring is always available
    • Equipment failures are minimised
    • Maintenance is proactive rather than reactive

    This project demonstrates how enterprise-grade networking, when properly designed and implemented, can support even the most complex and biologically sensitive residential installations.

  • Luxury Developer-Led Smart Home – Berkhamsted

    Luxury Developer-Led Smart Home – Berkhamsted

    Project Overview

    This residential-led new build in Berkhamsted was delivered in partnership with a local developer, giving us full control over the structured cabling, containment and infrastructure from first fix through to final commissioning.

    Set in the Hertfordshire countryside with strong transport links into London, the property comprises:

    • Main residence
    • Gym & salon barn
    • Separate guest barn
    • Outdoor pool area
    • Gated entrance and driveway

    From day one, the brief was clear: create a fully integrated smart home ecosystem built on a single, scalable platform.


    The Challenge

    This wasn’t just a house — it was a small estate.

    We needed to deliver:

    • Reliable broadband in a semi-rural location
    • Seamless Wi-Fi across multiple buildings
    • Secure access control at the gate and main entrances
    • Full CCTV coverage
    • Multi-room audio
    • Media rooms and work-from-home office spaces
    • Lighting control integration
    • Outdoor connectivity extending to the pool area

    All while ensuring future scalability and ease of management for both developer and homeowner.


    Our Approach

    1️⃣ Rural Connectivity Backbone

    The property is powered by a Gen 3 Starlink installation, providing high-speed broadband where traditional fibre wasn’t viable.

    We designed the internal infrastructure to maximise performance from the Starlink connection, ensuring stable distribution across all buildings.


    2️⃣ Full Ubiquiti Inc. UniFi Deployment

    This project was delivered as a complete UniFi ecosystem, including:

    • Managed gateway and switching
    • Internal Wi-Fi across the main house
    • External Wi-Fi coverage across gardens and pool
    • Building-to-building connectivity
    • CCTV surveillance
    • Gate entry and door access control
    • Segmented VLANs for security, IoT and user traffic

    Each building — including the gym/hairdressing salon barn and the separate guest accommodation barn — was fully integrated into the same managed infrastructure.


    3️⃣ Smart Living & Entertainment

    Beyond networking, the property included:

    • Multi-room audio zones
    • Dedicated media/snug rooms
    • Multiple TV distribution areas
    • Home office connectivity
    • Integrated lighting control

    While shading solutions were not included, the property otherwise functions as a near-complete smart home environment.


    The Result

    Because we were involved from ground up:

    • Structured cabling was clean and futureproofed
    • Rack layouts were optimised from the start
    • Wi-Fi placement was strategically planned
    • External connectivity was built in, not retrofitted
    • Gate and security systems were seamlessly integrated

    The end result is a cohesive, estate-wide smart system operating on a single managed platform.

    The developer was happy.
    The homeowners were delighted.
    And the infrastructure is built to scale for years to come.


    Why Projects Like This Matter

    Working on new-build developer projects allows us to eliminate compromises.

    With proper first-fix planning, coordination with electricians and builders, and full system integration from day one, we can deliver:

    • Cleaner installs
    • Higher reliability
    • Better aesthetics
    • Long-term serviceability

    Berkhamsted has become a strong focus area for us over the past few years, and projects like this demonstrate how powerful a properly designed smart home infrastructure can be when it’s delivered right from the beginning.