Trade Signs expands its horizons
Trade Signs has revealed the pivotal part it had to play in the massive infrastructural signage project at Exchange Quay. The commission that saw it take home the Sign Construction and Wayfinding Scheme of the Year gongs at the recent British Sign Awards.
Monday, 23 Nov 2015 12:58 GMT
(Above and below) As these images show, the scale of design, manufacturing, and installation for the project was immense
“We undertook a huge range of large bespoke structures which included entrance way porticos, monoliths, a 12m high clock tower and a large directional arrow that was 9m long and 2m deep,” explains Trade Signs operations director, Haylee Benton.
The arrow was to be the centre piece of a large scale development and refurbishment of the high profile office scheme in the growing Salford Quays district (Media City). A key challenge for Trade Signs was the need to internally illuminate the sign so its perforated design and an industrial feel would shine at night.
Benton continues, giving SignLink the story of the build: “Beginning with the framework, our initial design was based around using mild steel and constructing the sign in seven sections with a zinc rich powder coating to aid in the protection and longevity of the structure itself. Each section was joining using 20mm mild steel flat plates and location pins.”
Following the framework came the complicated cladding and perforations. And complicated it certainly was, as using 3mm powder coated aluminium, sheets in 48 sections and over 60 joins were used to fully clad the arrow construction.
After an intense period of research and development we settled on 1.5m
amber wall washers, strategically mounted at set angles internally to
give stunning results”
“Next we needed to overcome the non-standard lighting effect required to create the stunning visualisation, “ says Benton adding: “After an intense period of research and development we settled on 1.5m amber wall washers, strategically mounted at set angles internally to give stunning results. We also had to cater for the built up rim and return letters with face illuminated opal acrylic.”
One of the most challenging elements, based purely on the size and weight of the structure, was reportedly the foundation detail for the project.
Benton concludes: “Working alongside our structural engineer, a pad foundation system at 6 x 5 x 1.5m deep with 20mm rebar steel cast in concrete was constructed. This was backed up by M20 steel studding and 15mm mild steel holding washers.
“Our project management team worked very closely with the client and other contractors to ensure that such a bespoke was executed with timely precision. I think it is very clear that the overall sign came together to create a visually stunning construction that we are all very proud of.”
If you have an interesting story or a view on this news, then please e-mail
news@signlink.co.uk
Follow Brendan on:
