Paragon Estate, West London

The Development

Located in Brentford, West London, Paragon Estate is a bold example of modern urban regeneration — a mixed-use development that combines residential living, student accommodation, and community-focused spaces. The estate consists of student bedrooms, residential apartments, and integrated educational and commercial facilities, distributed across six modular blocks, ranging from 4 to 17 storeys. 

In 2020, following heightened post-Grenfell Tower safety awareness, all 1,000+ residents were urgently evacuated due to serious structural and fire safety concerns.

Three years later, following comprehensive investigation, planning, and testing, energy and regeneration specialist, Equans, was appointed to deliver a comprehensive restoration of the estate—creating a secure and modern living environment for returning residents.

The Project

Alphatrack Systems (ASL) was appointed to design, supply, install, and commission essential life safety and security systems across the estate. The project remit required the delivery of highly responsive, integrated solutions, addressing multiple objectives:

• Secure, user-friendly door entry across all residential blocks
• Advanced, block-specific fire detection and alarm systems aligned with tailored evacuation strategies
• An Evacuation Alert System for Block B (North & South) in line with the requirements of BS 8629, for use by the FARS
• A robust disabled refuge system to safeguard mobility-impaired residents
• Seamless integration of all systems, enabling centralised control and real-time monitoring
• System scalability for future expansion.

The Challenge

The project presented considerable complexity due to the estate’s multi-building layout and the diverse needs of its residential population. ASL was tasked with delivering a fully integrated solution across all blocks—ensuring reliability, regulatory compliance, and user-friendly functionality for both residents and staff.

The Delivery

ASL designed and delivered a comprehensive, interconnected suite of systems, including:

Door Entry Systems

- CAME Entrotec Apex panels with OLED displays

- ED5 audio-only handsets 

- Vogue video handsets 

- Entronet5 concierge system for centralised communication

- EasiTag keyfobs for secure resident access

- Centralised control and monitoring via Entronet5 in Block F

Mixed Category Fire Detection & Alarm Systems

- Siemens Cerberus PRO panels with LCD displays

- Optical smoke detectors, ASA dual multi-sensors, and heat detectors

- Sounder bases, wall-mounted sounders, and manual call points

- LED remote indicators, installed at strategic locations throughout each block, aiding the FARS efficient locating of alarm zones.

Emergency Evacuation System

- Advanced EACIE control panels with dedicated zone control

- Wall-mounted sounders with addressable control modules

Emergency Voice Communication Systems

- Disabled refuge system, supporting the safe rescue and evacuation of disabled building users, with integrated WC alarm system(s)

- Baldwin Boxall Omnicare control panels

- Green refuge area outstations with two-way communication

Throughout the project lifecycle, ASL maintain close collaboration with Equans and key stakeholders—holding regular design coordination meetings to ensure full compliance and optimal system integration. The project will conclude with rigorous testing and commissioning, alongside the provision of detailed O&M manuals, CAD drawings, certifications, and system schematics.

All systems are designed and installed in full accordance with relevant British Standards and industry best practices.

The Conclusion

The integrated safety and access systems deliver tangible, long-term benefits to Paragon Estate and its residents:

Advanced fire detection, emergency evacuation, and disabled refuge systems ensure the highest levels of resident safety. The modern door entry system provides intuitive, controlled access for residents. Centralised monitoring and control of all systems simplify facility management and improve response times. Scalable system architecture future-proofs the estate for evolving requirements.

This project not only underscores ASL’s ability to deliver in high-pressure, multi-stakeholder environments—it also reflects a broader commitment to raising the standard in residential safety technology. The Paragon Estate stands today not just as a restored development, but as a benchmark for what can be achieved through collaboration, technical excellence, and people-first design.