FlatTurtle Blog
31 October 2025, 12:25
Old buildings are stunning with grand façades, ornate mouldings, the kind of charm you just don’t get from concrete and glass cubes. But try installing modern WiFi in one of them, and suddenly you’re wishing for drywall and a false ceiling.
At FlatTurtle, we’ve spent years navigating the tricky balance of preserving historical beauty while adding the modern tech that tenants actually need (read: internet that works in more than one room).
Heritage buildings weren’t built with WiFi in mind. Thick masonry, steel beams, and lath-and-plaster walls turn radio waves into mush. And forget about running cables - those beautifully carved walls are not going under the drill.
Plus, no one wants to see blinking plastic boxes hanging under a hand-painted ceiling. Tech that’s too visible can ruin the very aesthetic that makes the building special.
They just want their Zoom call to not drop mid-sentence. And we get it.
Today’s commercial tenants expect seamless connectivity. IoT systems. Smart signage. A digital experience that just works. So how do we bring all of that to buildings that predate electricity?
Here’s how we do it without making enemies of heritage officers or damaging irreplaceable cornices:
Start with the Smart Stuff: We run a “heritage-aware” technology audit (we bring the lasers, not the hammers). This means mapping what’s behind the walls (e.g. old flues, forgotten service runs, hidden cavities) that we can use creatively.
Assemble the Dream Team: Property managers, heritage consultants, tech experts (us!), and structural engineers. Everyone needs a seat at the table to ensure things are safe, reversible, and regulatory-proof.
Plan for Permission: From regional rules to listed building laws, there’s a maze to navigate. We help structure proposals that don’t just ask for permission, but make a compelling case for the public benefit of modernization (like better accessibility and safety).
Make Tech Invisible: No neon lights or glowing gadgets here. We try to blend in with the surrounders, or use mesh systems if needed, and tuck access points into enclosures, millwork, or custom wraps that blend into the building.
We’ve helped clients add smart signage, secure access systems, and predictive maintenance sensors, all while maintaining architectural integrity. Whether it’s a guildhall from the 1600s or a Belle Époque masterpiece, our goal is to let the building stay beautiful while quietly powering everything underneath.
Modernising heritage buildings doesn’t mean choosing between tech and tradition. With the right planning and the right team, you can have both.
At FlatTurtle, we know how to make WiFi disappear, without making history vanish with it.
Ready to modernise your historic property without the stress? Let’s chat.