Smart Buildings
Smart infrastructures with security at their core
A smart building is more than just a connected one. While the benefits of automation, sustainability and energy efficiency are well understood, the security of these systems is often overlooked or addressed too late. A smart building without security integrated from the start is vulnerable, not just to cyber-attacks, but to physical breaches, system failures and operational disruption.
At CornerStone, we design smart building strategies that put security at the core. Whether your site is a high-profile workplace development, a critical infrastructure facility or a data centre, our approach balances technology, resilience and operational effectiveness.
We believe smart buildings should be designed and delivered to reduce risks and respond intelligently to the changing threat landscape.
How we help
Our security-first smart building design service considers all layers of a modern built environment. We work closely with design teams, developers and estate managers to enable them to attain all the benefits of leading-edge technology, whilst simultaneously embedding security across system architecture, data networks and operational technology.
Whether you're building from the ground up or enhancing an existing asset, our team ensures smart technologies enhance modern environments whilst strengthening rather than compromising security.
Award Winning Security, Cyber and Risk Consulting
Why it Matters
What to Consider?
Integrated Security from Day One
- Smart buildings can bring together systems like HVAC, lighting, video surveillance, access control, digital signage, public address, printing, vending and occupancy/building usage analytics. Smart apps can offer an enhanced user experience by integrating and automating these and other systems along with business systems, payment apps and facility services. Without a unified, secure-by-design approach, these systems, and the operational technology that controls them, can expose vulnerabilities that can be exploited by a range of potential threat actors.
Reduces Risk of Cyber and Physical Attacks
- Smart buildings are digital assets. Poorly configured or unprotected systems can be exploited remotely or locally, leading to unauthorised access, system failure or data loss.
Supports Business Continuity and Compliance
- A secure smart building is a reliable one, capable of delivering an enhanced user experience in a consistent and reliable way. Security-led design reduces the risk of outages, protects critical assets and ensures compliance with standards such as ISO/IEC 27001 and PAS 1192-5.
Enhances Operational Control and Incident Response
- With the right design, systems can provide real-time awareness, coordinated incident response and system redundancy, improving resilience and uptime.
Builds Trust and Future Readiness
- Whether it is tenants, staff or regulators, confidence in your building’s systems depends on clear demonstrable functionality. A smart building must be able to adapt and scale without introducing risk and vulnerabilities.
Expert Advice for Your Project
Security-Led Design Planning
We help clients assess risk early and develop Operational and Functional Requirements (O&FR) that guide smart building system design. This enables design teams to focus on smart functionality, safe in the knowledge that physical and cyber threats, protection of critical assets, operational technology and regulatory adherence are all under consideration and being addressed.
Technology and Vendor Assessment
Not all technologies are equal. We assess products and systems for their interoperability, functional, security capabilities, support for standards and ease of integration.
Network and System Architecture
We design secure segmented networks and system architectures that support building performance while limiting access, protecting sensitive data and ensuring robust incident management.
Cyber Physical Threat Modelling
Our approach considers threat methods that span both cyber and physical domains, such as unauthorised access via building systems or malicious use of connected devices.
Documentation and Delivery Support
We produce clear, standards-aligned documentation, including risk assessments, technical specifications and integration plans. We also support through installation and commissioning stages to ensure specified requirements are implemented correctly.
Leverage Our Experience
We work with clients across sectors, from public buildings and corporate headquarters to critical national infrastructures and manufacturing plants, delivering secure smart buildings. Our work spans master planning, technical design and post-occupancy review, ensuring solutions work as intended and can evolve securely over time.
Understanding the interaction between systems, people and physical space is key. Our designs also consider user experience, desired aesthetics and maintenance needs to deliver long term value.
Holistic Approach
CornerStone’s holistic approach aligns physical security, digital infrastructure and operational practices. We draw on deep expertise across disciplines; security engineering, IT, risk and design, to guide projects from initial vision through to live operation.
Every recommendation we make is grounded in real world experience and technical insight, helping clients to manage complexities, stay compliant and protect what matters most.
Speak to a Smart Building Security Expert today!
Whether you are starting from scratch, upgrading an older system or reviewing current risks, we are here to help. A secure smart building starts with a conversation. Let’s talk.
Some of our work that might interest you
Case Study
London 2012 - Securing the UK’s largest sporting event in 45 years
CornerStone’s four-year long engagement with the Olympics included Park Security Operations Centre, Perimeter Security System (CPSS), Video Surveillance, Hostile Vehicle Mitigation and many more projects.
Narinder Dio
5 min read
Case Study
New global headquarters - Protecting staff, centralising operations, and securing the organisation’s reputation
A clients staff and operations were spread over a number of sites and wanted to provide a headquarters to centralise and secure their operations.
Narinder Dio
5 min read
Case Study
Mitigation at a major London site - Developing a design suitable for all areas
Following years of use, there was a requirement from CornerStone’s client to undertake a full review of the Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) measures on their estate.
Jon Roadnight CSyP
5 min read