Creating the wayfinding signage for this stunning residential sanctuary in the heart of Canary Wharf.
Project: The Wardian
Location: Canary Wharf
Sector: Residential
Client: Ballymore
Partners: Jackson Daly
Exclusive luxury twin skyscrapers created to achieve a calm green space for its elite residents
Completed in 2020, The Wardian is a unique residential set of twin tower skyscrapers located in the hub of Canary Wharf. The natural materials chosen for this tranquil haven combine a setting in the natural world with elegant contemporary style. With stunning views, a host of premium curated amenities, it offers residents an escape from busy city life promoting well-being.
Working with Jackson Daly, a leading branding and graphic design agency
After a rigorous tender process, we were delighted that Jackson Daly, contracting for Ballymore, selected us to build and install many different types of signage for this really incredible residential space.
As The Wardian is an impressive luxury build, justifiably Jackson Daly’s tender proposal was extremely comprehensive. Their specification documentation stipulated their expectations for the whole project, outlining its exact requirements for design and material, to construction and installation.
We are pleased to say that we were consulted on and met all elements of this brief. For some insight of how we dealt with some of the specification’s most significant challenges, please see the The Wardian’s: Spec challenges below.
Beautifully created nature inspired signage merged with Victorian typography
The Wardian was inspired by the Victorian botanist Nathaniel Bagshaw who invented the botanical glass container known as the ‘Wardian’ case. Hence, the entire signage scheme was inspired by Bagshaw’s work and a fusion of Victorian typography and modern materials. All the signage and wayfinding for the project was predominately created using various state-of-the-art processes.
State-of-the-art Etching
A highly innovative etching process was utilised for these types of signs where the text is raised off of the background. This is done in one process where the text and the background are painted simultaneously.
Innovative Victorian Inspired Wayfinding Signage
Victorian inspired typography created using 6mm brass letters which are hand polished to give it a high-end finish.
Sophisticated individually laser cut lettering
All the signage for the room numbers for each floor were individually laser cut with metal lettering sprayed to a specific finish. This conveyed the nature inspired theme as well as the Victorian typography fusion with an ultra-modern material.
Unique Signature Signage
Exclusive signage for the front on the building was created. In particular the main signage for The Wardian which sits directly in front of the building was created using a powder coated patinated brass frame with concrete signage which has cast out pieces of concrete with lights shining up on it. This piece of signage work involved unique methods to create a signature piece of work. Once again fusing the ideas of Victorian typography and highly modern materials such as concrete and brass,
A satisfied client and a continuous business partnership
Overall, we are proud to have produced and installed The Wardian’s complete signage scheme to Jackson Daly’s specifications, on time and on budget.
We continue to have a close business partnership with Jackson Daly and are presently working on several ambitious projects with them.
The Wardian: Spec challenges
In this section, we provide insight of how we dealt with some of this project spec’s most significant challenges.
Consultation
Upon reviewing F.r.a.’s spec, we identified that many aspects of their design proposal raised significant build challenges.
Quality Assurance
To ensure that our signage standards met Jackson Daly’s detailed requirements, we followed a rigorous quality assurance process.
Before constructing any signage:
- we used a professional art worker to visualise Jackson Daly’s sign designs
- we prototyped a range of Jackson Daly’s more challenging sign finish requests
- we welcomed Jackson Daly to visit the workshop to review the signs
When installing the signage:
- we used software called Sightworx to send Jackson Daly’s monthly progress reports
- conducted an on-site review
Procurement
From reviewing Jackson Daly’s brief, it was clear that their design proposal required a vast quantity of concrete, brass and metal. Due to global trade issues caused by Brexit and Covid-19, brass is currently very difficult to procure. However, our strong network of suppliers was able to source brass from a mill based in Germany. Due to lead time issues, this was an involved and time-consuming process.