Cube Controls has delivered one of its most comprehensive smart metering solutions at One The Strand in London. The project replaced decades-old manual meters with a wireless, Measuring Instruments Directive (MID)-approved network that now connects electricity, gas and water data to a unified cloud-based energy analytics platform. Read on to find out more.
Cube Controls designs, installs, and services custom smart metering solutions for commercial and industrial buildings across the UK.
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Modernising Legacy Metering
One The Strand is a multi-tenant, luxury, commercial office building in a prime London location. Cube Controls was appointed to modernise its metering infrastructure and provide a unified approach to monitoring and analysing energy use.
The project demonstrates how customised smart metering solutions can modernise older buildings and combine wireless data capture with cloud analytics to deliver accurate, real-time insight without disruptive installation work. Using LoRaWAN network and Modbus communication technologies, Cube developed a scalable network that automates readings and centralises energy reporting.
The Challenge: Outdated Metering Systems
The existing metering dated back 20 to 30 years and relied on manual readings. Data was recorded monthly, providing no visibility between readings or across utilities.
This created several issues:
- No automatic data logging or insight into daily consumption
- Limited accuracy for tenant billing
- High labour time for manual checks
- No integration with HVAC through the BMS
Our client required a reliable, compliant and low-disruption upgrade that could coexist with existing equipment and enable smart metering solutions for cloud-based analytics.
Wireless Smart Metering Deployment
Cube Controls and Long & Partners designed a LoRaWAN-based smart metering solution to automate energy and utility data collection. The system combined MID-approved LoRaWAN electricity meters, wireless gas and water meters and existing Modbus meters to create a complete, multi-utility view of the site that was deployed buildingwide and in remote plant locations.
Key elements included:
- LoRaWAN multi-gateway network providing in-building wireless coverage for all meters
- Integration of existing Modbus meters using a LoRaWAN-to-Modbus gateway
- Fully wireless retrofit completed with minimal disruption to the occupied building
The project shows how smart energy metering solutions can deliver an energy efficient smart metering solution that modernises metering and provides long-term value without invasive cabling work.
Integration with BMS and HVAC Systems
Cube designed the metering network to coexist with the existing BMS, maintaining continuity of HVAC control while expanding monitoring coverage.
The LoRaWAN-to-Modbus gateway linked the new wireless network with the BMS, allowing data such as operational hours and energy consumption to be analysed in one place.
Data from other meters on the main HVAC plant was imported into the new metering solution and where space for new meters was limited, a multi-channel power analyser was installed to monitor up to 32 x 3 phase power circuits via a single, highly accurate device.
This integration gives facilities teams access to:
- Combined metering and HVAC data
- Greater accuracy in energy and load tracking
- An upgrade that required no alteration to the existing control system
This deployment demonstrates how smart meter solutions can deliver improved insight for energy management property teams without major system replacement.
Smart Analytics and Operational Insights
Once installed, all metering and BMS data were centralised within the Intelli-Focus cloud analytics platform. The platform imports and processes data from every LoRaWAN and Modbus device, displaying performance metrics through a unified dashboard, delivering a level of insight and integration never before seen on this site.
Facilities managers can now view trends, monitor anomalies and generate automated reports that support accurate tenant billing.
Key outcomes include:
- A unified cloud Energy Management System (EMS) dashboard consolidating all utilities and plant data
- Automated reports that replace manual readings
- MID-level billing accuracy based on certified meters
- Abnormal usage alerts for faster fault detection
- Multi-utility visibility covering electricity, gas and water
These features reflect how smart metering solutions enable evidence-based energy management and cost control.
Benefits of Smart Metering Solutions
The project delivered measurable results for the client:
- A fully wireless retrofit with minimal disruption
- Accurate, MID-compliant data suitable for tenant billing
- Automated analytics and reporting through the Intelli-Focus cloud platform
- Unified energy insight combining utility and HVAC data
- Reliable LoRaWAN coverage via a multi-gateway network
Together, these smart metering solutions provided the building’s facilities team with real-time visibility, reduced manual workload and improved accuracy in energy reporting. For property managers, this model offers a practical route to modern, compliant metering infrastructure.
About Cube Controls: A Smart Meter Solution Manufacturer
Cube Controls designs, installs and maintains tailormade metering and building control systems that deliver healthy environmental control and energy savings. Founded in 2008 by Tony Williams, the company combines deep expertise in HVAC, electronics and software to create effective, reliable building management systems.
Projects such as One The Strand reflect Cube Controls’ commitment to performance, innovation and long-term value for clients.
“This was a unique project – possibly an industry first – delivering a smart, multi-platform MID metering system that provides energy reporting and operational insights to an unprecedented level. It enabled our client to move forward with MID-level billing and truly data-led energy analytics.”
– Tony Williams, Founder and Managing Director, Cube Controls
The Future of Energy-Efficient Building Management
The One The Strand project proves how smart metering solutions can modernise established properties and support data-driven energy management.
By combining MID-approved meters, LoRaWAN connectivity and cloud analytics, the experts at Cube Controls delivered a fully wireless, integrated and energy efficient smart metering solution that enhances accuracy and sets a benchmark for future retrofit projects.
FAQs about smart metering solutions
What smart metering solutions does Cube Controls provide?
Cube Controls designs and installs smart metering solutions that connect utilities and HVAC meters through a wireless LoRaWAN network. Where possible, these systems can be integrated with existing Modbus communication technologies and BMS infrastructure to automate data collection, improve accuracy and support MID-level billing.
How do energy analytics leverage smart meter data?
Smart meters send real-time data to a cloud-based platform, where it is validated, stored and analysed. This process turns raw consumption readings into practical insight – such as load trends, benchmarking and exception alerts – helping facilities teams make data-led decisions to improve efficiency and control costs.
What do smart metering systems enable for building operators?
Smart metering systems provide building operators with real-time utility data across electricity, gas and water. They automate data capture and consolidate it into a single dashboard for better visibility. This enables early fault detection, accurate reporting and more efficient energy use. By removing the need for manual readings and invasive installations, smart systems support long-term operational improvements and help meet compliance and sustainability requirements.
Cube Controls is an established and experienced supplier of Building Management Systems, specialising in the design and set up of bespoke environmental and energy control programmes for commercial buildings and property.
To find out how Cube Controls can support you at all stages of design and consultancy, installation and modification and maintenance of your building management systems contact our expert and friendly team on 01903 694279 or sales@cubecontrols.co.uk.
