Fire Alarm Modernisation for Student Accommodation
Honeywell Gent Self-Test technology improves fire safety, visibility and maintenance efficiency at the University of Roehampton
Smartec has successfully completed a fire alarm modernisation project at the University of Roehampton, upgrading the fire alarm systems within two key student accommodation buildings, Aspen Lodge and Willow Lodge.
Located within the University’s 61-building campus in London, both buildings provide residential accommodation for students. Reliable fire detection and life-safety systems are therefore essential, while routine fire alarm testing and maintenance can present additional challenges within occupied residential buildings.
As part of the project, Smartec replaced the existing Ziton fire alarm systems with Honeywell Gent Self-Test technology, providing the University with a modern fire alarm solution designed to improve system reliability, visibility and maintenance efficiency.
The upgraded systems were designed to Category L2 standards and integrated with an online management portal, enabling enhanced visibility of system information from the University’s Security Lodge.
Modernising existing fire alarm infrastructure
The project provided an opportunity to replace the existing fire alarm infrastructure with a modern system designed around the University’s long-term operational requirements.
The new Category L2 fire alarm systems provide comprehensive life-safety protection across Aspen Lodge and Willow Lodge.
A key element of the upgrade was the introduction of Honeywell Gent Self-Test technology, which provides a more efficient approach to routine fire alarm testing.
The systems were also connected to an online management portal, giving the University’s teams improved access to system information and enabling remote oversight from the Security Lodge.
Together, these technologies provide a more connected and efficient approach to managing fire safety across the two student accommodation buildings.
Why Self-Test fire alarm technology matters in student accommodation
Routine fire alarm testing is an essential part of effective fire safety management. However, testing occupied student accommodation can create practical challenges for facilities teams, engineers and residents.
Traditional testing methods can require engineers to access individual bedrooms, creating additional logistical requirements and potentially disrupting students.
Honeywell Gent Self-Test technology provides an alternative approach by allowing much of the routine testing process to be completed remotely.
This can reduce the need for engineers to enter individual student rooms during every routine maintenance visit, helping minimise disruption while allowing essential fire alarm testing activities to continue.
Where physical access, visual inspection or other on-site activities are required, these can be planned separately and coordinated around room availability and student occupancy.
Reducing disruption while supporting fire safety
The introduction of Self-Test technology gives the University greater flexibility when planning fire alarm maintenance and testing activities.
Routine testing can be completed remotely where appropriate, while physical inspections and other access requirements can be scheduled separately.
This creates a more streamlined maintenance strategy and helps the University coordinate engineering access around the operational demands of occupied student accommodation.
The result is a less intrusive approach to fire alarm maintenance, helping reduce unnecessary disruption for students while supporting the University’s ongoing fire safety responsibilities.
Improved fire alarm visibility from the Security Lodge
Another important element of the project was the integration of the upgraded fire alarm systems with an online management portal.
This provides the University’s facilities and security teams with improved visibility of system information and enables enhanced oversight from the Security Lodge.
Remote access to system information can support a more proactive approach to fire alarm management, helping teams identify issues and respond to maintenance requirements more efficiently.
Rather than relying solely on periodic physical visits, the University now has greater visibility of the fire alarm systems between scheduled maintenance activities.
This provides a stronger digital foundation for the ongoing management of fire safety across Aspen Lodge and Willow Lodge.
Improving fire alarm maintenance efficiency
The project demonstrates how modern fire alarm technology can deliver benefits beyond replacing ageing equipment.
For large residential buildings, particularly student accommodation and university residences, reducing unnecessary access to occupied rooms can provide significant operational benefits.
The upgraded fire alarm systems support:
- More efficient routine fire alarm testing
- Reduced disruption for students and residents
- Improved remote visibility of system status
- More effective maintenance planning
- Enhanced system management
- Support for ongoing fire safety requirements
- A more flexible approach to future maintenance
By combining Honeywell Gent Self-Test technology with online fire alarm management, Smartec has helped create a solution aligned with the operational requirements of modern student accommodation.
A future-ready fire alarm solution
The successful upgrade of Aspen Lodge and Willow Lodge has modernised the University’s existing fire safety infrastructure while introducing technology designed to support long-term operational requirements.
For Smartec, the project demonstrates why a successful fire alarm upgrade should involve more than simply replacing existing equipment.
Modernisation provides an opportunity to consider how fire alarm systems can be monitored, tested and maintained throughout their operational life, particularly within complex and occupied buildings.
In this project, the combination of Honeywell Gent Self-Test technology, Category L2 fire alarm systems and online management capabilities provides the University with a modern platform for managing fire safety across the two residential buildings.
Balancing fire safety with the resident experience
Fire safety in student accommodation requires a balance between reliable life-safety protection and practical building management.
For residents, routine maintenance can create disruption when engineers need access to bedrooms.
For facilities and security teams, maintaining visibility of fire alarm systems across large residential buildings can present its own operational challenges.
The upgraded solution addresses both considerations.
By reducing the need for routine room-by-room access and improving remote visibility of system information, Smartec has helped the University develop a more efficient and less intrusive approach to fire alarm testing and maintenance.
The result is a modern fire alarm infrastructure designed to support both building safety and the day-to-day experience of students.
Supporting safer, smarter university buildings
The fire alarm modernisation project at the University of Roehampton demonstrates how innovative fire detection technology can help universities improve the management of life-safety systems within occupied student accommodation.
For students and residents, the upgraded approach can reduce unnecessary interruptions.
For facilities and security teams, improved system visibility and Self-Test functionality can support more efficient maintenance and fire alarm management.
For the buildings themselves, the project provides a modern Category L2 fire alarm infrastructure designed to support reliable fire safety management over the long term.
Smartec’s role in the project demonstrates its ability to combine specialist fire alarm expertise with modern technology to deliver practical solutions for complex occupied environments.
Fire alarm upgrades for universities and student accommodation
Smartec provides specialist fire alarm design, installation, upgrades, commissioning and maintenance for universities, student accommodation, education facilities, residential buildings and commercial premises.
If you are responsible for an existing fire alarm system and are considering a system upgrade, replacement or modernisation programme, Smartec can help assess your requirements and develop a solution around your building, occupants and operational needs.
Talk to Smartec about your next fire alarm upgrade or modernisation project.