St Kilda Short-Stay Accommodation – Smart Guest Management & Infrastructure
An integrated technology upgrade for a three-storey short-stay property in St Kilda, combining smart access control, CCTV, Wi-Fi 6, structured networking, remote climate management and smart automation.
The brief
How the project started
Short-stay accommodation has very different technology requirements from a typical home. Guests change regularly. Access needs to be issued and removed efficiently. Wi-Fi needs to perform reliably across multiple floors and users. Security systems need to protect entrances and external areas, while air conditioning and other building systems can require attention even when no staff are on site. For this three-storey property in St Kilda, Austrend was engaged to create an integrated technology infrastructure that would make the property easier to operate remotely while providing a convenient and secure experience for guests. Rather than treating security, networking, access control and automation as separate installations, we designed them as part of one connected property-management environment.
Client requirements
Remote Guest Access
Allow property managers to issue and manage temporary guest access without relying on physical key handovers or regular on-site attendance.
Reliable Whole-Property Wi-Fi
Provide reliable network coverage throughout the three-storey property while supporting guests, management systems and connected building devices.
Centralised CCTV
Improve visibility around external areas and key access points, with centralised recording and remote access for property management.
Remote Climate Management
Allow air-conditioning systems to be monitored and controlled remotely, particularly between guest stays.
Smarter Property Operation
Introduce remote control and automation for selected building functions to reduce unnecessary manual intervention and site visits.
Future-Ready Infrastructure
Prepare the property for future technology and services, including EV charging.
Our approach
How we shaped the solution
Austrend approached the project as a complete technology infrastructure upgrade rather than a collection of individual smart devices. A structured network was created to support CCTV, access control, smart systems and guest connectivity, with multiple Wi-Fi 6 access points installed across the building.
The network was segmented for property management and administration, smart building and infrastructure devices, and guest / visitor Wi-Fi. Guest bandwidth can also be managed with appropriate upload and download limits.
Keypad access control was installed for common areas, while individual guest-room access can be managed through a cloud-based accommodation access platform. CCTV cameras were positioned around external areas and important access points, using wide-angle and 180-degree coverage where appropriate.
Remote management was extended to the property's air-conditioning systems and selected motorised building functions. Electrical infrastructure was also provisioned for a future EV charging point.
Key highlights
What made this build work
For the property manager, fewer tasks depend on being physically on site.
For guests, the technology remains largely in the background, providing convenient access, reliable connectivity and a smoother stay.
For the owner, the infrastructure provides a scalable foundation for future services.
Included systems
Systems we installed
Wi-Fi 6 & Structured Network
Multiple Wi-Fi 6 access points and managed network switching provide connectivity throughout the three-storey building. Separate network environments help keep guest traffic isolated from management and building infrastructure. Following installation, on-site testing recorded download performance of more than 700 Mbps under the test conditions, demonstrating the capability of the completed network infrastructure.
CCTV & Remote Monitoring
A comprehensive CCTV system provides coverage across external areas and key access points. Wide-angle and 180-degree cameras were positioned strategically around the property, supported by a 16-channel NVR platform for centralised recording and remote access.
Smart Access Control
Common areas are protected by keypad access control, while guest-room access can be managed through a cloud-based accommodation access platform. Property managers can remotely issue and manage temporary access credentials, helping streamline guest check-in and reduce dependence on physical keys.
Remote Air-Conditioning Management
The property's air-conditioning systems can be monitored and controlled remotely. This is particularly useful between guest stays: if air conditioning is left running after checkout, management can respond remotely rather than sending someone to the property.
Smart Motorised Roller Shutters
Existing roller shutters within the pet area were upgraded with motorised and smart control. The shutters can be operated remotely as part of routine property management, reducing manual intervention and unnecessary site visits.
Centralised Network Infrastructure
Network switching and connected systems were organised into dedicated network infrastructure and equipment cabinets, creating a cleaner and more manageable foundation for Wi-Fi, CCTV, access control and other connected systems while making future maintenance and expansion easier.
EV Charging Ready
Infrastructure was provisioned for a future EV charging point at the rear of the property. By installing the required electrical cabling during the main project, the property is prepared for a future charger without requiring major electrical rework.
The result
The completed solution brings the property's key technology systems together into a more practical operational environment. Guest access can be managed remotely, CCTV provides visibility across important external areas and entry points, and a professionally designed Wi-Fi 6 network supports guests and connected building systems across three storeys.
Project gallery
Inside the project
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