Lewis Caliburn2N explores how UK installers and integrators can modernise outdated door communication and access systems while reusing existing infrastructure where it remains fit for purpose, helping reduce costs and disruption.
Across the UK, existing buildings are being prepared for decades of continued use. While the renovation debate largely focuses on insulation, heating and energy consumption, outdated access systems, door communication and building management also deserve attention. Modernising these systems does not always require a complete replacement of existing cabling.
The buildings of the future may already be standing. While England’s new Future Homes and Buildings Standards, which will come into effect in stages during 2027, primarily target new developments, residential buildings constructed several decades ago are also being renovated across the UK to improve energy efficiency and extend their lifespan. However, energy consumption is only one aspect of a building’s long-term viability.
Door communication systems are ageing too. Cabling deteriorates, analogue intercoms become increasingly difficult to maintain, and property managers need more practical ways to manage users and access rights. Modernising these systems does not necessarily require extensive construction work.
This is where smart retrofitting plays an important role: retaining infrastructure that still serves its purpose while replacing components that no longer meet the building’s operational needs.
“Renovating a building should not mean discarding everything that is already there,” says Michal Kratochvíl, CEO of 2N. “A successful retrofit starts with identifying which parts of the existing infrastructure can continue to serve the building and which need to be upgraded. This gives integrators a practical foundation for introducing modern door communication systems with less disruption and a clear plan for future maintenance.”
Start with what the building already has
For integrators, every retrofit should begin with an audit. Before selecting products, they need to assess the condition of the existing cabling and understand how the building is used. The assessment should also establish how the completed installation will be managed and maintained.
If the existing cabling is in suitable condition, it can be reused for IP-based door communication. Where the cabling cannot be retained, calls from the entrance intercom can be routed via a mobile network to indoor units connected over Wi-Fi or directly to residents’ smartphones.
The two approaches can also be combined: reusing existing cabling wherever possible and adopting alternative solutions in other parts of the building. For UK installers and integrators, the decision therefore always starts with an assessment of the existing wiring and connectivity.
The aim is not to avoid installing new cabling at all costs. It is to determine where new infrastructure is essential and where the existing building can reliably support an upgrade.
Think beyond installation
A retrofit should not be assessed solely on hardware costs. Replacing serviceable cabling, opening up walls and carrying out additional building work can increase both project costs and disruption for residents.
Long-term product support is equally important. 2N provides a five-year warranty, post-warranty repairs and more than 10 years of software support. These commitments help integrators and their customers plan beyond installation and reduce the risk of prematurely replacing equipment that is otherwise fully functional.
Remote management extends the same principle into ongoing maintenance. Integrators can carry out many updates and checks without visiting the building, while property managers can handle agreed day-to-day tasks, including changes to residents and their access rights. As the system communicates over a network, cybersecurity is also an essential part of long-term support: 2N generally provides security updates for at least five years after a product is discontinued.
Clearly defined responsibilities are therefore just as important. When handing over the installation, it should be established who will manage users, who will change device settings and who will be responsible for future maintenance.
Retrofitting in Practice
This approach is demonstrated by a residential building in Prague that is approximately 50 years old. The existing cabling in the building’s vertical risers was retained, while new 2N indoor units and entrance devices were installed. The My2N platform added smartphone calling and remote management capabilities.
Rather than replacing the original system component by component, the integrator built a new solution around the infrastructure that remained fit for purpose. The same approach can be applied to residential buildings across the UK.
Retrofitting in the UK therefore presents an opportunity to do more than reduce energy consumption in existing buildings. It also offers a chance to prepare their entrances and door communication systems for the next stage of their lifecycle.