NHS

In December 2023 we became an approved contractor for Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. After working with several departments throughout 2023 on various projects at the main hospital site, we were thrilled when we were approached and asked to produce a set of designs for both the exterior façade, and main entrance for the new Outpatient Assessment Centre in the heart of the County town of Dorchester.

This required two completely different approaches. For the external sign we recommended CNC flat cut letters and NHS logo with stand-off locators. This style gives the illusion that the logo and text are floating away for the brickwork. It was important to maintain the NHS guidelines even when producing a new concept for a contemporary building, which we achieved by powder coating each element in the appropriate RAL colours and allowing adequate breathing space around the logo in the available space. Once the concept had been approved and manufactured, scaffolding was required to a height of 9 meters partially cantilevered over a glass atrium. This enabled us to install a template required for installing the final signage.

The second challenge was to create a signage solution for the main entrance. This modern structure is a steel framework clad entirely in glass. We were tasked with designing and fabricating a sign that suspend above the sliding doors with limited fixing options, ensuring maximum visibility through the glass to approaching visitors and passing traffic. To achieve this we designed a back-to-back sign tray which encased an aluminium frame. From this frame we were able to fix brackets that we could secure to the 10mm thick steel box section that forms the fabric of the main building.

The outcome of both parts of this project were incredibly successful. The Project Managers were so pleased with the way in which the project was handled that we were invited to tender for all of the internal wayfinding signage for the same project, which we subsequently won. Completing the project to a tight deadline, on budget and in time for the grand opening.

We continue to support the NHS Foundation Trust with ongoing requirements.