LISBURN-based smart buildings specialist Okto Technologies has completed work on two of the most significant residential developments ever constructed in London’s West End.
It coincides with the firm’s drive to recruit 10 engineers to support its building management systems (BMS) team and service its expanding workload.
Okto was contracted to design, build and instal its ‘invisible’ technologies into ultra-luxurious developments, including 25 super prime apartments at Holland Park and 23 private homes at Mayfair Park Residences, where individual properties sell for more than £10 million.
With a combined contract value of £10m, Okto’s delivery on both projects marks another important milestone for the company, taking it closer to its strategic goal of achieving £70 million turnover and tripling its workforce by 2025.
Appointed by two of the world’s top property developers - Candy & Candy and Clivedale - Okto’s work on the luxury developments spanned two years, and was completed on target, despite the impact of the lockdown.
Okto’s highly specialised systems have been integrated into the design of each development enabling residents to effortlessly control the environmental and lifestyle systems in their home. This ranges from climate control, lighting, heat & power and AV to access and security, with every aspect of ‘living’ controlled at the touch of a button.
The completion of the two contracts coincides with the start of another major project for Okto at the Peninsula Hotel and Residences on London’s Park Lane.
Appointed by the Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotel Group, along with Prime Developments and renowned UK contractor, Sir Robert McAlpine, Okto’s BMS technologies will be integrated into 25 deluxe apartments and penthouses.
Key to Okto’s success is the company’s £1.2m investment in the UK’s first ‘Mirror-Build’ laboratory in Lisburn, which enables its team to pre-assemble and test each project under factory conditions, before being transported and installed in its final destination.
Richard Carlow of Candy & Candy has described Okto’s role as ‘pivotal’ to the success of his latest development.
Okto managing director Philip Dowds said: “Our expertise in harnessing artificial intelligence to develop innovative BMS is pioneering and it has set us apart from the rest of the market.
“We have a full order book, a committed and highly specialised team, and an ambitious growth plan.
“Our impact in the London market is fully established and we now want to attract more top talent to help us scale our business and enhance our core service offering.”
