Success Stories | Smart Living Solutions
Orbit and Appello partner to successfully upgrade 16th-century independent living site
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Summary
About the company
Orbit is a housing group in the UK managing a range of properties, including independent living developments.
They are committed to enhancing resident safety and living environments whilst embracing innovative digital technology. In 2020, they chose the Appello Smart Living Solutions (SLS) system to upgrade 16 of their independent living, sheltered housing properties as part of their proactive strategy to ensure they were not impacted by the ongoing digital upgrade of the telecoms network. However, having some grade I and grade II listed buildings in their portfolio added some additional challenges to overcome.
The challenge
Orbit needed to upgrade their Malt Mill Lane complex, a 16th-century independent living site, with a fully digital emergency alarm system. With 28 of the 88 developments listed as Grade I, Grade II, or Grade II*, the project faced strict planning requirements. Challenges included aesthetic restrictions, hidden cabling, and preserving the site’s heritage features, making the planning and installation process highly complex.
The solution and result
Appello’s Smart Living Solutions was selected to upgrade Malt Mill Lane.
Planning required seven design options, working closely with Appello’s solutions architect to create various options for Stratford District council to agree on - it took almost a year to meet council approval. Solutions included excavating cabling underground, using existing structures like irrigation pipes to hide cables, and creating a second server room in a Grade I-listed communal laundry room. The CAT5 cabling work was very well received.
For listed properties, modifications were made to the SLS hubs, including plastering and decorating walls to match heritage standards. Block paving was labelled and reinstated exactly as before. Despite the complexities, once planning approval was received, the project was completed in nine weeks, delivering a fully compliant, high-quality solution well-received by Orbit and their residents.
“From an Orbit perspective, we were extremely happy. It was a huge challenge. It took 16 months and seven design options to get the option that was acceptable to the planning departments. It was a huge relief to me to get the acceptance after so much work and weekly site meetings had been done. There was a lot of hard work that went into mobilizing the start of the project and managing to a successful conclusion, and we did that… The site delivery teams, in terms of access and standard of workmanship, have been excellent. The end product was excellent as well, and now we’ve got a system which is fully digital compliance ahead of 2025 and it’s been very well received by our independent living team.”
Christian Halford, Capital Delivery Contracts Manager at Orbit
“Appello were fantastic, at all times we were able to contact them in terms of any queries and to get answers promptly to move things along. So, we’re very happy with the end outcome. It was very difficult for everybody involved. But working together, we got there in the end.”
Christian Halford
Capital Delivery Contracts Manager, Orbit

“Our scheme officers are really pleased with the system. It provides them with the onsite HQ data and gives them so much more information… Orbit’s overall project with Appello and upgrading numerous developments sites has been a real success – and it is fantastic to tick this one off the list as well.”
Graham Holliday, Service Development Officer at Orbit
Benefits of the solution
1
End to end digitalDesigned for the digital network and proven within group living schemes across the UK.
2
Improves safety
Almost instant and reliable digital communications to mitigate the risk of first time call failures.
3
Enriches lives and promotes independence
Residents can manage the support they receive with features including video calling and an I'm OK function.
4
Enables integration
Offers the opportunity to expand your services by linking with other systems and devices, such as payment portals and smart home technology.
5
Ease of access
Staff can manage multiple properties remotely, carry out day-to-day tasks and target their support using the online management system, Appello HQ.
6
Data at your fingertips
Allows greater insight into your residents' needs so you can identify ways to improve your services.
Find out more about Smart Living Solutions
Appello is a technology enabled care (TEC) provider specialising in digital warden call systems and telecare solutions for housing and care providers.
Appello’s Smart Living Solutions (SLS) enables housing providers to embrace fully digital telecare systems, improving safety, compliance, and resident experience. Designed with flexibility and innovation, SLS meets the challenges of modern housing needs.
Discover how Smart Living Solutions can support your developments with reliable, future-proofed technology tailored to your requirements.
Download Product Overview
Find out more about Appello's warden call system, Smart Living Solutions.
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