The Hague, 5 May 2026 — An updated digital infrastructure is helping transform a landmark Madrid redevelopment into a smarter, more resilient mixed-use destination.
Deerns has completed a key phase of its mandate to modernise the smart building infrastructure of NUGA Castellana, a mixed-use asset in Madrid that has been redeveloped by PIMCO Prime Real Estate. The project strengthens the asset’s position as a benchmark for smart, digitally enabled real estate, with infrastructure designed to support operational performance today and adaptability in the years ahead.
" At NUGA Castellana, the new infrastructure enables more than connectivity alone. It helps create a building environment where systems can be monitored in real time, performance can be better understood, and services can be managed more intelligently.
Building on an earlier smart building pilot
This latest phase builds on a pilot concept originally delivered by Deerns in 2020. Following the asset’s redevelopment, Deerns was reappointed by PIMCO Prime Real Estate to update and further develop the building’s digital infrastructure.
The assignment began with a review of the existing strategy, including a compliance audit of PIMCO Prime’s smart building package and a gap analysis between the as-is, as-designed and target states. This formed the basis for a new digitalisation plan that integrates the earlier smart building approach with the newly refurbished areas, while aligning the infrastructure with current technologies and standards.
This step was important because it ensured the building’s smart strategy could evolve with the asset itself. Rather than treating the previous pilot as a finished exercise, the new phase translated lessons from the original project into an updated framework suited to a larger and more ambitious mixed-use environment.
Delivering the digital backbone
Deerns provided smart building design services across concept and detailed design, tendering, contractor support, installation supervision, configuration and data management. The objective was to create a robust, scalable and secure infrastructure platform capable of supporting real-time insight, efficient operations and future digital growth.
The scope included:
- Design and implementation of the IP backbone, converged network, Wi-Fi infrastructure and UPS systems
- Development of a scalable wireless IoT infrastructure for real-time data collection and analysis
- Support for the implementation of a Building Operating System integrated with the Building Management System
- Design of a metering strategy to segregate consumption by system, landlord services, floor and tenant
Together, these measures provide stronger connectivity between building systems and create a clearer, more reliable flow of data.
Turning data into operational value
A key strength of Deerns’ role in the project is the way digital infrastructure has been linked to real operational outcomes. In complex real estate assets, the value of smart systems depends on how well they are integrated, how securely they perform and how effectively they support decision-making over time.
The metering strategy is particularly important in this respect, as it enables consumption to be segmented across systems, landlord services, floors and tenants. That improves visibility, supports more accurate allocation and creates stronger opportunities for optimisation.
Designing for resilience and future readiness
Resilience was a central part of the design approach. Alongside the digitalisation strategy, Deerns applied cybersecurity standards based on ISO/IEC 27001, supported by client-approved processes and best practices. This informed the design and implementation of a converged, segmented telecommunications network that enables centralised, intelligent management of common services while improving protection against threats.
This is important because smart buildings depend on a growing number of connected devices, platforms and users. The quality of the digital backbone affects not just performance, but also reliability, security and long-term flexibility.
This approach provides 4 key advantages:
- Resilient communications infrastructure for expanding smart building applications
- Secure and structured data transmission across connected systems
- A scalable platform for future integration, analytics and operational improvement
- Improved operational continuity through uninterrupted power supply
In practice, this means the building is better equipped to adapt as technologies evolve, tenant needs change and operational expectations continue to rise.
A collaborative Deerns approach
The project was delivered by Deerns’ Smart Buildings team in Spain, bringing together expertise in telecommunications, IoT, BMS integration, electrical metering, data and digital infrastructure. Close collaboration with PIMCO Prime Real Estate and the wider project team was essential to align technical requirements, operational priorities and long-term ambitions.
This integrated way of working reflects Deerns’ wider approach to smart buildings. Rather than focusing on technology in isolation, Deerns combines engineering, digital strategy and systems integration to create infrastructure that delivers measurable value for owners, operators and occupiers.
