Smart AV System Design for Sustainable Living Project

Urbanest Battersea, a modern student accommodation project in London, has completed its latest sustainable development near the iconic Battersea Power Station. Built to PassivHaus standards, this energy-efficient student living concept required a custom AV system design to enhance communal spaces while supporting the building’s eco-friendly design goals.

Having previously collaborated with Urbanest on other London sites, including Kings Cross and Westminster Bridge, London-based AV integrators Tateside were selected to handle the new development’s end-to-end AV system design, installation, and maintenance services. Their role included crafting a user-focused AV system that balances energy efficiency, high-performance audio-visual technology, and seamless user experience.

“The project represented a unique opportunity to design and install a range of AV solutions, from digital signage and background audio to cinema rooms and meeting spaces,” recalls Ben Landi, Project Manager at Tateside. “We focused on creating intuitive, plug-and-play AV setups that are easy to use while meeting Urbanest’s sustainability goals.”

Smart AV System Design for Modern Student Living

Students at Urbanest Battersea enjoy a fully equipped communal cinema room, ideal for movie nights and group entertainment. Tateside installed a 77-inch Panasonic OLED display with an integrated soundbar to provide a high-quality audiovisual experience while keeping the setup simple and user-friendly.

“We wanted it to be as easy as possible,” says Landi. “Students can connect their own devices—whether a PlayStation or laptop—directly to the HDMI plate for a personalized entertainment experience.”

For the onsite gym and yoga studio, Bose Professional DM3SE surface-mount loudspeakers deliver high-quality sound throughout the training areas, paired with Audac Bluetooth plates for one-touch music playback. “Students can connect their phones and play their own music, making the space feel more personal and like home,” Landi explains.

Smart AV Systems for Collaboration and Learning

The development also features a state-of-the-art lecture hall for group discussions and presentations. Tateside specified an Epson high-lumen projector with a wide-throw lens for large-scale visuals, complemented by a Blustream HDMI wallplate and HDBaseT receiver for seamless content switching.

Additionally, three videoconferencing-enabled meeting rooms serve both students and staff. The student-facing rooms feature Cisco Webex Room Bars with BYOD capabilities, allowing users to connect and control the system through their own laptops. The staff meeting room is equipped with a Microsoft Teams video conferencing system to support their preferred platform.

Digital Signage & Background Audio for a Fully Connected Space

Throughout the building, digital signage solutions display community announcements and eco-statistics related to the PassivHaus sustainability goals. Tateside installed Samsung QM displays for 24/7 digital signage while enabling content management through a Tripleplay CMS platform.

Upon entering the building, residents are greeted by background audio powered by Bose Professional DM5P pendant loudspeakers. “Their design perfectly matched the reception’s pendant lighting,” adds Landi. All audio systems are powered by Bose Professional PS404D amplifiers, with Dante-enabled audio networking ensuring reliable performance.

Successful AV Integration Through Collaboration

The close collaboration between Urbanest and Tateside’s AV project management team ensured that the entire AV installation process aligned with the building’s energy efficiency goals while providing user-friendly technology.

“We’ve always had a great experience working with Tateside,” says Daniel Baylis, Project Manager for Urbanest. “Their team consistently helps us find the right AV solutions for our buildings and student residents. They are always willing to assist with new project scoping and provide excellent on-site service.”

The result is a modern, eco-conscious student living environment with high-performance AV systems that enhance the experience of residents and visitors alike. “We’re proud of the outcome and look forward to supporting the system through our AV Managed Services department,” concludes Landi. “We’re excited to continue our partnership with Urbanest on future projects.”

If you want to learn more about our custom AV design services and managed services offering, contact us or visit us at our London HQ!