Wates Headquarters UK
Overview
Hills Energy Management Solutions was engaged to replace the obsolete BMS front-end system at Wates House, the headquarters of Wates Group in Leatherhead, Surrey.
Following major refurbishment works, the building required a more modern and flexible front-end platform that would improve visibility, support better day-to-day management of building services and provide a stronger foundation for future development. The solution needed to work with the existing controls infrastructure, minimise disruption to the occupied building and avoid unnecessary replacement of serviceable systems.
Client requirement
The client required a modern replacement for the outdated BMS front end that would provide:
- improved visibility across the building’s HVAC systems
- better access to operational data for monitoring and review
- a more intuitive interface for day-to-day use
- secure remote access for support and diagnostics
- a scalable platform for future integration and expansion
A key priority was to retain as much of the existing infrastructure as possible while still delivering a clear improvement in usability, flexibility and long-term value.
The challenge
Wates House is a large and active office environment with a broad range of HVAC systems serving the building.
The challenge was to replace the obsolete front-end platform without disrupting business operations, while still maintaining compatibility with the existing controls infrastructure. The client wanted a practical modernisation that would improve visibility and access to information without incurring the unnecessary cost and disruption of wider replacement works.
The project therefore needed to strike the right balance between immediate operational improvement and long-term flexibility, while making best use of the systems already in place.
What we delivered
We installed a new BMS front-end platform designed to work with the site’s existing controls infrastructure, giving the client a more modern, accessible and future-ready interface for managing building services.
The upgraded system improved visibility across the site, provided clearer graphics and easier access to operational information, and created a more flexible platform for monitoring, review and future development.
Secure remote connectivity was also introduced to support faster diagnostics, more responsive technical support and improved access for ongoing system management.
By building on the existing controls infrastructure rather than replacing it unnecessarily, we were able to deliver a cost-effective upgrade that modernised the user experience while protecting the value of the client’s existing assets.
Plant and system functionality
The upgraded front-end platform now provides central visibility and access across the site’s existing HVAC systems.
This includes the main heating and cooling plant, air handling systems, local terminal units and associated building services, giving users a clearer overview of how the building is operating and making it easier to access key information when needed.
The system supports day-to-day monitoring, time scheduling, data visualisation and trend review through a more user-friendly interface, helping building stakeholders engage more effectively with the operation of the site.
The outcome
The completed upgrade delivered a clear improvement in visibility, usability and long-term flexibility.
The new platform provides a much clearer view of building performance, helping stakeholders access the information they need to monitor plant, review trends and identify opportunities for improvement. This supports better day-to-day decision-making and makes the system easier to use for both operational teams and specialist support providers.
By retaining the existing controls infrastructure and modernising the front-end environment, the project avoided unnecessary replacement costs while still delivering a meaningful improvement in how the building can be managed and supported.
The system also now provides a stronger basis for future integration and expansion as the building’s requirements evolve, giving the client a more adaptable and future-ready BMS platform.
Secure remote access has further strengthened support arrangements by enabling quicker diagnostics and more efficient ongoing technical support.
