The first building globally to achieve SmartScore 'Platinum" rating

Setting a New Standard in Smart Workspace

Great Portland Estates plc (GPE) is a FTSE 250 property investment and development company owning around £2.5 billion of real estate in central London. 

The Hickman, located in Whitechapel London, is the first building globally to achieve the prestigious SmartScore ‘Platinum’ rating. A comprehensive redevelopment completed in September 2020, delivering 75,300 sq ft of highly tech enabled and sustainable workspace. At The Hickman, enhanced functionality is provided through sesame™, GPE’s award-winning smart workplace app, that gives occupiers full control over their office environment. 

The creation of sesame™ has revolutionised the way people interact with their office space, from contactless entry to controlling services through real-time energy analysis. This enables the building to continually adapt to occupier needs and improve efficiency over time.

This case study explores how The Hickman has set new standards for smart, flexible workspaces, shaping the future of office environments in London.

Collaborative Partnership: Working with Redinet Limited

Redinet has worked with GPE since 2005, with its role expanding in 2017 to support the wider building portfolio through consultancy, cyber and IT security, and network support.

The partnership places a strong focus on early-stage planning to ensure that each project is delivered with a clear strategy and aligned technical approach. This collaborative process has contributed to several of GPE’s recent smart building developments.

The SmartScore Platinum certification at The Hickman reflects GPE’s aim to continuously enhance the occupier experience through innovation. The integration of digital twin technology and the sesame™ smart workplace app supports operational efficiency and enables more responsive, adaptable workspaces.

“The team at Redinet thrive on relationships like we have with GPE. It’s fantastic collaborating with a team that desires to push innovation in everything they do. The relationship has forced us to think in new ways about how to deliver technology solutions that make a real difference to the sustainability and efficiency of GPE’s buildings.” Colin Bridle, Director, Redinet Ltd. 

“Redinet are hands on with their approach in projects and are always looking for the solution not the problem.” Ian Cartwright, Project Manager, GPE

Smart Building Technology: Connecting Systems for Efficiency

Integrating core building services into a secure network enables the building to respond more effectively to both occupier needs and environmental conditions. This approach supports improved efficiency and comfort, while ensuring that building systems are converged and network controls are managed securely.

“Buildings are getting more technologically advanced, and the systems within them are  more connected to enable smart functionality. Redinet design, implement, and manage the network infrastructure to ensure those systems and the data that flows through them are secure, which is of paramount importance.” Steven Rollingson, Head of IT, GPE 

Network Design and Security: Building a Robust Infrastructure

Through a series of technical sessions with service providers such as access control, lighting, and building management systems (BMS), a network infrastructure was designed to integrate key building services. With security at the core of the design, the resulting network combines equipment and software from leading manufacturers to create a robust, highly available, and secure environment.

The collaboration continues to support GPE in delivering smart, technology-driven spaces for occupiers.

Conclusion  

The Hickman has set an example for how technology can reshape the way developers and occupiers use and manage office space. As smart building technology continues to evolve, future projects will build on these learnings to further enhance building performance and user experience. Redinet and GPE will continue to work together on future buildings and push the boundaries of smart building technology.

“The Hickman is London’s smartest building, massively helping GPE reach our yearly sustainability targets. Redinet have had a key role in achieving the SmartScore rating and are a valued and trusted member of the GPE team.” Director of Workplace & Innovation, GPE