Coordinating building technology across residential, office and hospitality spaces presents complex integration requirements, particularly in a high-rise development with distinct operational environments.
Power Design delivered a broad low-voltage and building technology package for Waterline, a 74-story mixed-use tower in Austin, Texas. The development combines hotel, office and residential uses within one structure, requiring separate systems and access configurations while maintaining coordinated building operations.
The project involved integrating multiple technology platforms across the three areas, with more than 196 miles of structured cabling installed as part of Power Design's systems work.
The technology package included access control, closed-circuit television (CCTV), audiovisual systems, security and burglar alarms, and a large-scale Lutron lighting control installation.
The access control infrastructure was designed to support different user groups and restricted areas, including residential parking, individual residential floors and private amenity spaces. Security cameras and audiovisual systems were also integrated into the building's operational environment.
Lighting controls represented a significant portion of the installation. The project was awarded the largest Lutron scope in the country, with controls distributed throughout parking garages, back-of-house areas and amenity spaces.
The lighting infrastructure also supports the development's energy-efficiency objectives as Waterline works toward LEED certification. Coordination among electrical, lighting and technology systems was necessary to ensure the controls operated as an integrated platform.
Power Design's involvement extended beyond installation and project handoff. Technicians assisted the residential property management team with programming resident access fobs ahead of initial occupancy.
The development also received an early temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO), allowing residents to move in sooner than originally planned.
The technology systems support day-to-day building operations, including controlled access, surveillance, lighting management and curated audiovisual experiences in residential amenity spaces.
Waterline demonstrates the coordination requirements associated with technology infrastructure in large mixed-use developments. Projects combining residential, hospitality and office operations require integrated systems that can maintain separate access controls and operating environments within a shared building.
For owners and contractors, the project highlights the importance of coordinating low-voltage infrastructure, lighting controls, security and audiovisual systems during construction. Post-turnover technical support also plays a role in preparing complex developments for occupancy and ongoing property operations.
Source: Power Design.
