Polish commercial property investor, developer and general contractor Ghelamco is introducing 'pandemic mode' to its flagship office projects, in a bid to future-proof against global health scares.
The setting will affect the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) of its commercial footprint, which can switch to an 'only fresh air' option for conditioning, to avoid circulating internal air.
It will also regulate the use of lifts, limiting the amount of passengers per elevator. Furthermore, UV lamps installed in lifts and air conditioning units will help disinfect the air when in use.
Ghelamco has also formulated a mobile app for the end-users of its buildings, which will serve to inform them when pandemic mode has been activated, sharing emergency procedures and further safety rules.
'Safety does not have a price. Today it has become a top priority when choosing an office building. We have rapidly responded to the new market need, which is to protect office tenants and their employees against the coronavirus and its impact,' said Jeroen van der Toolen, managing director CEE, Ghelamco.
'Together with our partners we have developed a whole suite of state-of-the-art technology solutions which are already being implemented in Ghelamco’s latest office projects: The Warsaw Hub and Warsaw Unit. This will also provide tangible benefits for the property and its investment potential,' van der Toolen added.
'When it comes to protection against epidemics, the buildings which meet top safety standards will become far more attractive for the tenants as they will allow for minimising the risk and avoiding disruptions. This will translate into higher property value and ultimately be a very important selection criterion for investment funds.'
Digital mode
As part of the upgrade of its leading development projects, Ghelamco will make entry to the office buildings contactless for both employees and guests.
All entry gates will be integrated with the lifts, which will call a programmed cabin to take users directly to the desired floor. Guests will enter on a similarly programmed 'digital ticket' via their smartphones.
If tenants discover that an employee is carrying the virus, the access control system can review the employee's movements and alert those who were in their company in the same zones at the same time.
Ghelamco’s office buildings will also be able to detect access control anomalies, such as unauthorised entries and exits, to improve tenant safety.
Ghelamco currently has four high-rise buildings under construction in Warsaw, including the innovative Warsaw Hub, comprising three skyscrapers, and Warsaw Unit, with its unique 'dragon skin' facade which will record patterns made by wind.
