The Project

The major redevelopment project, commissioned by Lazari Investments, will see Maple House transform into a modern, flexible space that is centred on design, functionality, wellbeing and sustainability.

The full redevelopment will provide a variety of uses and high-quality amenities, including “end-of-journey” facilities and wellness spaces, hospitality spaces and roof terraces, and 110,000 sq ft of contemporary workspace, arranged around the one-acre communal urban forest (Lazari Investments, 2025).

The Challenge

The first phase of the redevelopment, completed in 2024, focused on remodelling the entire reception area and creating the future foundation for Maple House.

The reception needed to balance the building’s Brutalist heritage with a modern, hospitality-inspired design. However, it also needed to serve as a hub for critical digital infrastructure to support the current and future functionality of the building.

Lazari needed a space that could:

• Integrate technology without visual compromise: Digital infrastructure had to be introduced without impacting the redesign of the new entrance or the building’s architectural character.

• Support multi-tenant operations and future growth: Infrastructure had to be able to handle increasing operational demands and adapt smoothly as new tenants moved in during the phased redevelopment.

• Provide long-term resilience as redevelopment progresses: All critical systems had to be supported and be able to securely scale for the ongoing amenity upgrades, new shared spaces, and future tenants.

The Curve IT Approach

Rather than being bought in after architectural decisions were made, Curve IT worked as an embedded partner from the earliest design stages, collaborating closely with Lazari, MoreySmith, Vert Projects, Faithdean PLC and other project teams.

This early involvement meant that the new digital core could be planned alongside the building design, preventing costly retrofits and ensuring that the final result met both the aesthetic and technical requirements.

Our work included:

Planning and Design

• Assessing the long-term scope of the redevelopment and defining a structured, scalable cabling and network infrastructure strategy.

• Specifying geographically diverse cable paths to eliminate single points of failure and provide flexibility for further phases.

• Redesigning the main communications room, removing legacy systems to create a digital hub for the building’s full life cycle.

• Specifying enterprise-grade network switches and access points with dual power and 10Gbps network capacity to deliver secure, resilient, high-speed connectivity building-wide.

• Consulting with MoreySmith to ensure digital infrastructure could be integrated within the interior redesign.

Infrastructure Delivery

• Coordinating with construction teams to align cabling and services installation with build schedules, architectural design and finishes.

• Installing the cabling network throughout the reception and allocated riser routes to support all redevelopment phases.

• Deploying new core network equipment in the communications room, capable of maintaining all IP-based building systems and scaling as the building evolves.

• Deploying a converged network to keep building systems operational and secure on a single platform.

• Implementing high-speed WiFi across the reception and shared areas, with post-installation testing to validate performance against predictive pre-construction models and standards

A Welcome Redefined

The remodelled reception reflects the building’s Brutalist heritage while functioning as a modern, digitally enabled hub.

The reception celebrates the building’s original features, including concrete columns and keyhole-style structural elements. It also introduces marble, timber and metal finishes and bespoke detailing to create a refined, hospitality-inspired space.

The digital core ensures the building can function and grow.

Key outcomes include:

• Fully resilient networks ready to support each of the redevelopment phases as they come online without disruption.

• A unified network for all building services (security and smart systems) across the site, reducing the need for and cost of multiple vendors, equipment and management tools.

• Instant access to 10Gbps connectivity for tenants, removing traditional ISP delays, complex wayleave negotiations and any installation disruption after moving in.

• Consistent, high-speed WiFi across the reception and communal areas, enhancing tenant and visitor experience and satisfaction.

• A reception that balances heritage, aesthetic design and functionality, contributing to a WiredScore Gold Rating and a BREEAM “Very Good” status for the building.

Active Partnership and Ongoing Support

As Maple House continues to evolve, Curve IT remains an active partner, ensuring the digital infrastructure supports the ongoing redevelopment and complex technical requirements of its prospective tenants.

As Kelly Warrington, Building Manager for Maple House, explains, “what has been especially valuable is Curve IT’s ability to maintain an excellent standard of service through the on-going construction works. They’ve collaborated with Lazari, multiple contractors and wider project team to keep Maple House running smoothly for existing tenants, while also preparing the building for its future amenities, evolving operations and new arrivals.”

This includes University College London (UCL), which signed a 10-year lease for 45,000 sq ft of office space at Maple House and noted that “well-connected office space on Tottenham Court Road is an important part of the UCL Bloomsbury estate”.

The digital core for the building will therefore extend to support the high-end turnkey fit-out for UCL, as well as other incoming tenants by providing robust, resilient digital infrastructure required for modern working environments.

From Foundation to Future

Curve IT designed and delivered the digital core for Maple House as part of its first phase of completed works. The reception integrates the building’s Brutalist heritage with modern infrastructure that supports both current operations and future growth.

The infrastructure is secure, resilient, and scalable. From UCL’s 45,000 sq ft fit-out and The Canopy’s completion in Q4 2026 to future office lettings, the digital infrastructure supports each phase of the redevelopment.

Curve IT continues to support Lazari and project partners through the continued works, ensuring the building remains connected, secure, and ready for its new tenants and amenities.

Want to know more?

Curve IT partners with developers, landlords and architects to integrate scalable digital infrastructure from the earliest design stages, ensuring new and refurbished buildings are ready for their tenants, future uses and long-term performance.

Get in touch with our team to talk about your next project. 

The post Building the Digital Core for Maple House appeared first on Curve IT.

Connectivity sits at the heart of the modern built environment.

Whether it is a smart building, office space, mixed-use development, or large-scale event venue, developers and asset owners know that tenants, visitors and operators expect fast, reliable digital access from the moment they arrive.

The Brighton Centre demonstrates how long-term thinking, strategic planning and smart design can transform a building’s capabilities. Over the past 15 years, Curve IT has worked closely with the venue to design, deliver and continually evolve its IT infrastructure.

The result is a network that continues to evolve and meet the demands of modern, high-density events right on Brighton’s seafront.

A venue with changing demands

The Brighton Centre hosts some of the UK’s largest conferences and exhibitions, as well as big name music acts, comedy and family shows, and university graduations.

Each event has huge digital demands, and different technical requirements:

• Thousands of delegates bring multiple devices that need access to reliable WiFi.
• Exhibitors need private, secure and reliable connections for their stands and demos.
• Organisers rely on WiFi for presentations, live polling and audience interaction.
• Media teams need high-speed wired connections in multiple locations.

With auditoriums, meeting rooms, foyers and exhibition areas often active at the same time, the Centre’s connectivity has never been about a one-off technical installation, but about creating a digital foundation that can adapt for any event at any time.

Connectivity that continues to evolve

Curve IT installed the Centre’s original WiFi network over 15 years ago, when expectations around connectivity were far lower than they are today. Since then, the venue has benefitted from connectivity that continues to evolve, with regular reviews, expansions and upgrades to match new technologies and user expectations.

Key aspects of the network’s evolution include:

• Multiplying access points to improve coverage and handle greater demands without comprising performance.
• Upgrading legacy hardware to an enterprise-grade Ruckus platform for reliability in high density spaces and stability during peak demands.
• Regularly conducting wireless scans to identify and address any changes in performance, particularly before major events.

Flexibility at its core

One of the most valuable parts of the Brighton Centre’s connectivity is that it has been designed with flexibility at its core. Strategically placed network distribution points also allow wired and wireless connectivity to be delivered wherever and whenever it is required:

• Organisers can operate on secure WiFi networks for internal workflows and systems.
• Exhibitors can use private wired connections for their stands and demos.
• Media teams can use dedicated feeds at specific speeds in different locations.
• Visitors can use public WiFi without compromising network performance.

As Ian Hardy, Building Manager of the Brighton Centre, notes “the infrastructure we have developed in conjunction with Curve IT has been a complete game changer for the venue.

Without Curve IT’s support, we would not have been able to keep pace with increasing bandwidth demands, fibre upgrades and the day-to-day needs of a large live venue, and this would have had a huge adverse impact on business.

Instead, we are able to provide reliable connectivity to everyday visitors, exhibitors and organisers, and we have been one of the first conference venues to provide free delegate WiFi”.

For large-scale events, the Centre can also deliver fully bespoke connectivity setups in line with detailed technical specifications, and on-site technical support. This has involved repositioning access points, installing additional hardware, and deploying multiple engineers to actively monitor the network, perform scans and resolve issues before they impact users during events.

What this means for commercial properties

Although the Brighton Centre is a live event venue, commercial offices, mixed-use developments and multi-tenant properties face similar challenges:

• High-density footfall as people move through the building at different times of the day.
• Fast, reliable WiFi expectations from tenants and visitors in receptions, meeting rooms and shared areas.
• Reliance on secure networks supporting access systems, CCTV, BMS and day-to-day operations.
• Use and behaviour patterns changing, with hybrid working, flexible tenancies and evolving building use becoming the norm.

Coupled with new, emerging technologies, these challenges can place considerable pressure on a building’s digital infrastructure.

This is why digital infrastructure should be considered early with longevity in mind. By planning for flexibility, capacity growth and future upgrades from the outset, developers can avoid disruptive, reactive or costly overhauls, and create a foundation that can evolve alongside the building itself.

Digital infrastructure should also be proactively managed to protect long-term value. A resilient, well managed network can attract and retain tenants, reduce operational risk, support changing building uses, and protect long-term asset value.

Final insights: IT infrastructure that lasts

The Brighton Centre is a powerful example of what can be achieved when digital infrastructure is treated as a long-term asset rather than a short-term installation. It shows how a network designed to evolve can successfully support thousands of devices, multiple user groups and complex operational requirements year after year.

The same thinking should be applied to commercial properties of all sizes. Buildings designed with flexible, resilient connectivity that continues to evolve are better placed to respond to changing tenant needs, new working patterns and future technologies.

Investing in IT infrastructure is not simply a technical decision. It is a strategic one. When integrated in early design stages, it can underpin better tenant experiences, support smooth, smart operations and protect a building’s reputation today and in the future.

Want to know more?

Curve IT consults with developers, architects and contractors to deliver resilient, future-ready digital infrastructure that protects long-term building value. Get in touch with our team to talk about your next project. 

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The Project

Formerly known as Stephenson House, a 1960s office block, the building was reimagined by Lazari Investments as a modern, low-carbon, mixed-use hub.

Completed in 2022, the project retained approximately 33% of the building’s original structure, while adding 46% new space within strict height limits, recycled 98% of construction waste and achieved BREEAM Excellent certification.

The 181,000 sq ft, seven-storey development now features daylight-filled workspaces, sustainably sourced timber finishes, enhanced roof terraces, a ‘forest floor’ atrium, and integrated smart building systems including smart facades, efficient lighting and reclaimed waste heat.

The Challenge

Creating an environment that champions wellbeing and sustainability, while also being able to attract and retain premium technology tenants required more than just standard building infrastructure.

Lazari needed a digital backbone that could:

• Support complex connectivity demands without lengthy ISP installation delays.
• Provide immediate, high-speed services to new tenants moving in throughout the building’s phased completion.
• Integrate building management systems on a secure network.
• Maintain the building’s nature-focused aesthetic by fitting with architectural designs.
• Future-proof the building against changing tenant requirements and technology standards.

The Curve IT Approach

Curve IT worked as an embedded partner alongside Marks Barfield Architects and 8Build to design and deliver an end-to-end digital backbone from the ground up. This included:

Planning & Design

• Planning the right foundations with passive fibre and copper cabling infrastructure capable of delivering 10Gbps service speeds.
• Using specialist software to model predicted WiFi coverage across landlord areas prior to any construction.
• Specifying geographically diverse cable paths up to each tenant space, protecting against single points of failure.
• Designing a converged network to support building services such as CCTV, access control and BMS.
• Segregating building services into secure virtual networks, providing safe service access to staff and building managers.

Infrastructure Delivery

• Installing multiple communication rooms (one main and two secondary) for efficient, uninterrupted connectivity across the seven-storey building.
• Installing high-speed wireless networks across all landlord areas, including the reception, atrium, lift lobbies and basement.
• Deploying the converged network for the building systems, keeping them operational and secure.
• Validating WiFi networks post-construction to ensure real-world performance matched predictive models and design standards.

Connected and Future-Ready

The Lantern’s digital infrastructure allows it to function as a true smart building because it is able to connect, perform and adapt every day.

Key outcomes include:

• Fully resilient networks across the building that are protected against any single points of failure.
• A unified network that supports building services securely across the site.
• Consistent, high-speed WiFi coverage across all shared and landlord areas, which is continually monitored and validated for performance.
• Rapid tenant onboarding with 10Gbps service that can be delivered within 48 hours, eliminating traditional ISP delays and wayleave agreements.

The Lantern, now fully let, supports a mix of premium technological tenants, including Tripledot Studios, Bauer Media, Zenimax, Siemens, and Fujitsu to name a few. Curve IT continues to work alongside Lazari as an active partner, providing direct support for building management and tenant technical requirements.

Katherine Cherry, Building Manager of The Lantern, noted “We have a number of tenants with highly complex tech requirements in the building, and it has never been easier to get them up and running. Curve IT has made the onboarding process effortless. New tenants are connected and operational with no delay or disruption – it is business as usual from day one. That is something that can be hard to come by when undergoing a business move”. 

Beyond the Build

The Lantern demonstrates what’s possible when digital infrastructure is treated as a strategic asset instead of an afterthought. From the earliest design stages, Curve IT considered every technological detail to help create a building that stays connected, secure and adaptable as its tenants needs grow and evolve.

The result is a resilient digital backbone that supports sustainability goals and technological innovation, and the landmark set a new standard for low-carbon mixed-use developments in London’s commercial landscape.

Want to know more?

Curve IT consults with developers, architects and contractors to deliver buildings that are connected and operationally ready from day one. Get in touch with our team to talk about your next project. 

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TCMM Shutter Group are growing fast and have ambitious business plans for the next few years.  Due to the company’s expansion and their requirement for more office space, they have purchased the unit next to their existing one in Shoreham and connected the two.  As their IT Support provider we suggested the office extension was the perfect opportunity to perform an IT systems upgrade.  We want to ensure that their IT infrastructure is aligned to their strategic plans and future-proofs the business operation.

IT Systems Upgrade

• Server Upgrade – we replaced the existing small business server with an HP ProLiant enterprise grade server – which runs the latest 2016 operating system – for greater capacity, flexibility and performance.
• Rack Mount System – the increased office space has allowed for a dedicated and secure communications room which our Curve IT team helped to plan and set up.  We designed and installed all the equipment within the new rack mount system, which facilitates easier access, improved organisation and better air circulation.
• Firewall and Router Upgrade – we replaced the old router with an upgraded SonicWall product which improves security, enhances connectivity and possesses the additional capacity to manage TCMM’s faster internet line.
• Network Switch – as the team at TCMM expands further more computer ports will be required.  As part of our future-proofing plan, we installed a new network switch for these new ports.
• Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) – we installed a new UPS that will, in the event of a power outage, keep the servers on line for a period of time.  If the power stays down, the UPS will ensure the system safely and carefully shuts down.

Improving Office Connectivity

• Faster Internet – with the company growing at a pace, faster and secure internet connectivity was becoming paramount to the daily operation of the business. We co-managed the purchase and install of a faster internet line.
• Improved WiFi – Curve IT’s WiFi Design consultant heat-mapped the WiFi signal in the existing and new office spaces.  Our recommendation was to install two Ruckus R500 wireless access points to give a high-speed, reliable office WiFi.

Delivery

• Minimal Disruption – we dovetailed our installation into TCMM’s construction schedule as they interconnected the existing office space with their new unit next door.  We conducted the hardware upgrade installation and configuration on a Friday afternoon to ensure minimal disruption to TCMM’s operation.
• Seamless Migration – the server migration means the old and the new servers run concurrently for a period of time to ensure a seamless process. Our monitoring systems allow us to continually  check that the migration is proceeding as planned and to quickly rectify any discrepancies before issues occur.
• Client Assistance – we liaised with the phone line supplier as their connection feeds into the rack mount system that we were installing.  We assisted with the team’s physical office move and hardware set-up to complete the migration.

The post IT Systems Upgrade appeared first on Curve IT.

Providing high-speed internet access, including carefully designed WiFi coverage and a high quality branded portal page, is considered a given in this market – residents won’t settle for anything less.

Essential Living’s brand and their developments demand an IT infrastructure for residential build which reflects the organisation’s forward-thinking attitude and values. They, and us, advocate moving away from the traditional siloed approach to building systems (WiFi, IP Telephony, CCTV, Door Access etc.) and instead to integrate many of these systems into a single building network.  This saves duplication of cost both during construction and ongoing, while creating an IT Infrastructure ready to respond to technology changes throughout the lifespan of the building.

Curve IT are thrilled to be working with Essential Living on their programme of developments.  The flag-ship new-build Dressage Court, located in Bethnal Green, London, opened last month (May 2017).  Read on to find out how we worked with them to deliver the IT infrastructure required to support their residents – to the timescales, budget and quality standards they required.

Essential Living’s IT Strategy

• The IT infrastructure for residential build to reflect the Essential Living brand values – professional service, high quality, convenience, reliability and longevity.
• To adopt a visionary approach to IT infrastructure that encompasses multiple building management services.
• To deliver high-speed, building-wide, reliable and secure network connectivity to residents and the Essential Living Operational Management team.  Residents should connect quickly and easily to their own network wherever they are in the property.
• To implement a consistent ‘brand’ IT strategy across their programme of developments.

Project Management

• Essential Living use the RIBA Plan of Work* methodology throughout their design and construction process. The RIBA Plan of Work 2013 (devised by the Royal Institute of British Architects) organises the process of briefing, designing, constructing, maintaining, operating and using building projects into a number of key stages. It details the tasks and outputs required at each stage which may vary or overlap to suit specific project requirements.
• We worked to these RIBA stages during the project, ensuring our deliverables were fully aligned with those of the client.

Planning

• Our team of consultants reviewed the client brief, architectural drawings, M&E and service proposals. Fully immersing ourselves in the build enabled us to highlight risks and constraints to IT delivery.
• We collaborated with architects, contractors and the Operational Management team to ensure IT requirements across all areas would be delivered.
• We conducted a mobile scan at the Dressage Court site, reporting on reception from the main Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).
• We helped advise on the selection of suitable connectivity into the building, facilitating the installation of the circuit in parallel with construction.

Design

• Our consultants architected a building network designed to deliver upon Essential Living’s objectives.
• We included security by design, including hardware and software that protects the client’s and the resident’s data.
• We considered resilience within the design and liaised with the M&E team to identify the right strategy to provide backup in the event of power failure.
• A pre-build WiFi survey was completed using CAD architectural drawings and the latest technology. This enabled us to create a virtual model of the planned network, ensuring WiFi access points were placed efficiently to both maximise coverage, reduce ‘black spots’ and minimise costs.
• We helped design the main comms room for the building; we provided detailed drawings to ensure equipment fitted properly; that suitable power was provided; and we facilitated connectivity into the building.
• Our team identified enterprise grade equipment in line with the client’s budget securing a great feature set and good warranty level.

Delivery

• We supplied both hardware and software required to deliver the IT Infrastructure for residential build including data cabinets, power distribution units, networking equipment, server equipment, patch cables etc. Our purchasing power ensures a competitive price point.
• Our team installed and configured the building communications room*, coordinating the installation of the leased line and ensuring connectivity for ‘live date’.
• We installed and configured WiFi access points and networking equipment in the residents’ apartments and communal areas, working in collaboration with the M&E contractors and cablers.
• We fully tested installation both on-site and off-site using our pro-active managed service.
• A post build WiFi survey was completed, providing confirmation of the coverage our design delivers.
• We supported the Operations Management team in ensuring that residents could use the system from day one.
• Dressage Court is now being supported by the Curve IT Support Helpdesk through a managed serviced contract. This enables us to support the Operational Management team and manage the network proactively through our monitoring and alerting system.

*Our team hold valid CSCS cards and have completed the CITB Site Supervisors’ Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS)

Benefits

• Residents received high-speed internet access with great WiFi coverage and a high quality branded portal page, both in their apartment and throughout the building, from the day they moved in.
• Our early involvement in the planning stage saved considerable capital expenditure later in the build.  Advising on a better model for IT Infrastructure for residential build helped eliminate duplication of cost.
• Our knowledge of the build and other service requirements enabled us to identify risks and constraints to delivery of an integrated network.
• Our WiFi design practice ensures optimal wireless network design typically delivering better connectivity and significant cost savings by avoiding over-scoping on hardware.
• Planning from the outset of construction also ensures time efficiencies within the building schedule for the technological install.  We dovetail our installation into the other service installation schedules.

Download a copy Curve IT Case Study: Essential Living Dressage Court

To talk to one of our expert IT consultants regarding our WiFi design practice and IT infrastructure for your construction or development project please call 01273 806220.

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