Hugh Baird College

In May 2012 we were awarded the contract to supply this well-known local college with new external building signs as part of a wider refurbishment programme to the campus. The most challenging aspect was the high-level sign, mainly due to its size and position on the building, but also because of the short turnaround required.
Working from the clients artist impressions and our survey data, full colour visuals and a working sample of the logo were produced. These were approved by the client, along with illumination levels, colours and finish. We were then able to commence job planning and programming.

All metal bodied channel lettering was CNC routered, fully constructed and powder coated in-house. The complex college 'HB' logo was a particular challenge due to its quite slender shape, not to mention that it was approximately 5.5 metres square in overall area. What’s more it was required to internally illuminate and span vertically across a row of windows! This was achieved using a concealed galvanized and powder coated steel frame that fitted behind the main body of the logo. As with the letters, the logo was fully fabricated, powder coated, fitted out, assembled and bench tested here in our factory. Because of its size and complex shape it was necessary to fabricate the body and frame in 9 separate pieces. These were then assembled & installed on site from the platform of a large cherry picker. Face illumination of the logo was achieved by using Tridonic classic orange coloured LEDs behind an orange acrylic 5mm thick face, with transformers located inside the building for ease of future servicing.
Substantial fixing templates, detailed sketches and fixing team briefings ensured that the installation of the signs was planned and executed very smoothly and, as anticipated, within the four days allowed - also with the aid of some rare summer 2012 sunshine!

The client was very happy with the finished product and delighted that the high level signs in particular have such an impact, and can be seen from quite a distance away. We are confident that they will continue to attract attention to the college for many years to come.