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 ar Etching, signage for the Wardian in London

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, signage for the Wardian in London

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.

Laser cut brass Victorian inspired lettering were mounted back to a powered coated panel.
For this wayfinding sign, vinyl was chosen as it is a thoroughly modern material and Victorian inspired graphics where cut out in a metallic finish.
Variety of signage with Victorian inspired applied lettering.

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
Jackson Daly work on significant international hospitality and premium lifestyle wayfinding and signage projects. To maintain the highest quality control, their specification requirements are very demanding, stipulating high standards across every aspect of the signage project.

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
Jackson Daly work with leading building contractors on luxury brands. To ensure that the highest quality, their specification requirements for the entire signage project are highly demanding.

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.

Timescale
Jackson Daly proposed completion deadline was very tight. The Wardian was an extremely ambitious build which was completed in over a year and a half. There were initial challenges with Covid such as restrictions on the site which we got around. Hence, we were able to achieve the required deadline via a dedicated project manager, efficient suppliers, and a watertight quality assurance process.
Delivery and Installation
As the signage was for a multifaceted large scale luxurious development, Jackson Daly, requested specific delivery and installation requirements. In order to maximise installation efficiency, we delivered each signage set to the exact installation location. In order to ensure a tidy site, we were meticulous in how we installed each sign, making sure that once done the site was orderly and met safety regulations.