printer friendly version

Ernie Els golf estate in Gauteng

The new Gardener Ross Golf & Country Estate, a 300-hectare exclusive housing development in Centurion, has awarded Johnson Controls a tender in the region of R5 million to implement a comprehensive security system. Considered the largest development of its kind in South Africa, the estate will sport the first Ernie Els signature golf course in Gauteng.

"The estate will be completed in three phases, ending in 2009, and will accommodate 1200 dwellings," explains Reg Otto of Gardener Ross. "It offers purchasers a community lifestyle enjoyed in an exclusive, enclosed, protected community environment. Security is thus paramount and we needed a solution provider that not only had a proven track record and complied with the highest international security standards and best practices, but would also be able to provide ongoing maintenance."

Johnson Controls won out against four other bidders to provide the new Gardener Ross Golf & Country Estate with a full security solution that includes a card and disk access control solution, a combination CCTV and audio security system, an intercom installation and alarm monitoring solution. "Johnson Controls led the field in terms of selection as a result of its strong international standing, proven track record, the stability and sustainability of its local operation and, most importantly, its extensive ISO certifications for health and safety standards," notes Otto.

"The promise of the estate is to provide home owners with a haven from the hustle and bustle of the outside world," adds Marius Brits of Johnson Controls. "The security system is thus critical to control visitors entering and exiting the estate, as well as to keep unwanted guests out. The security policies stipulated by the home owners' association need to be stringently upheld and excellence is a prerequisite in the security technology and processes to ensure reliability, smooth operation and the high levels of service expected."

The estate has three gatehouses, two for residents and one main entrance for residents and visitors, while two contractors' gate houses will remain in operation until 2009 when all home construction is expected to be completed. "Security measures are strict," says Brits. "Each contractor entering the estate needs to be preauthorised and each worker must walk individually through the turnstiles with their own identity cards. Visitors are monitored through a pre-booking system whereby residents advise security via telephone, fax or e-mail of a visitor's identity, this is logged into the management system and a card is issued for entry and exit. Another access control system is installed at the clubhouse."

"In the event of any problems, a full visual and sound audit of all conversations and interactions at entrances and exits," adds Otto. "This will be enabled by CCTV recordings that do facial and registration plate recognition and are linked to audio recordings (activated by a ground loop) of visitor, resident and security personnel communications."

Approximately 90 CCTV cameras will be installed at entrances, river crossings and other strategic positions within the estate to cater to residents' security and safety, while infrared lamps linked to fencing and other enclosing structures will monitor movement at night. "Integration was a core focus in this security implementation," says Brits. "Johnson Controls has the skills and resources on board, as well as the experience to ensure solutions of this magnitude are effortlessly and expertly managed." Johnson Controls has recently completed large security installations at Bephelo House and Hollard Insurance in Gauteng.

Phase one of the estate's development, which includes the completion of the golf course, the external perimeter and gatehouses, has been concluded. The security implementation will be completed by July 2006.

Share this article:

Further reading: