Not Your Standard Installation From Sign 2000 | 4 Sep 2006 |
Sign 2000, the Kent based architectural sign manufacturer and installer, found that they needed a head for heights when they were commissioned to implement a rebranding at Standard Life Healthcare's Marshall Point Head Office in Bournemouth.
As part of the project a team of specialist abseilers were used to change the cover on a time capsule located within the building's internal atrium. Meanwhile on the outside a 34 metre Bronto Skylift was used to help with the high level installation of the Standard Life logo.
The rebranding came about as a result of the acquisition by Standard Life of the healthcare division of First Assist which itself was formed through a management buyout from Royal Sun Alliance.
Glenn Russell, Standard Life Healthcare's Facilities Manager, had previous experience of working with Sign 2000 on projects when the business was still First Assist and prior to that when it was Royal Sun Alliance.
Russell was quite clear in his mind that the project would achieve more than a cosmetic make-over. "Our intention was to make the Marshall Point building synonymous with the Standard Life brand. To do that we had to create a strong visual identity and then appoint an architectural sign manufacturer that we were confident could translate our vision into the built environment."
Constructed in 1988 and now the head office for Standard Life Healthcare, Marshall Point is truly a landmark building and a key focal piece of architectural excellence. Prominently situated at the top of Richmond Hill and still looking as modern today as it did some 18 years ago, Marshall Point boasts some of the best views across Bournemouth, as well as affording some of the finest office accommodation in the area. Having started as a 'hole in the ground' in
order to accommodate an under ground parking facility for some 140 cars, the end result is impressive. With the entire curtain wall constructed predominantly of glass, promoting natural light and reducing the use of artificial light, Marshall Point is complemented by a spectacular glass atrium running through the central core of the building, housing glass scenic passenger lifts and an integral water feature, completing the overall ambiance of one of, if not the most, prominent buildings in Bournemouth.
Given the short timeframe available Russell decided that he had to go with someone that he knew had the necessary strong project management skills and that could assure him the project could be delivered on time, to specification and within budget. Sign 2000 was appointed.
The installation had to be completed over the weekend of 1st-2nd April 2006. Architectural drawings were prepared and agreed in good time prior to the installation but the final authority to proceed was not given until just three weeks before the installation date. In this period of time Sign 2000 had to deal with planning issues as well as undertake the manufacturing processes necessary to create the various signs required for the project.
In addition to wayfinding signs internally, glass manifestation and statutory signage the Standard Life logo had to be installed set into the face of the building.
The fixture consisted of built-up text and logo hand fabricated from aluminium with vinyl decorated faces all mounted upon a marine grade stainless steel support frame. The logo was internally illuminated using LEDs.
Installation commenced early on Saturday morning and was completed on schedule by mid-afternoon on the Sunday. Commenting on the project Sign 2000
MD Murray Crompton said, "The Standard Life Healthcare installation went completely according to plan and proved the benefits of client and contractor having a shared vision and working closely together to realise that vision."
Standard Life Healthcare's Glenn Russell added, "This was a hugely successful installation, primarily due to the planning which, in turn, delivered the key objectives we were looking to achieve, on budget and on time."
| |
Sign 2000
Leys Industrial Park
Maidstone Road
Paddock Wood
Tonbridge, Kent
TN12 6QJ
|
|
|
|
