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The Coach House at The University of Leeds

We helped out with new signage for the refurbishment of The Coach House residence at Devonshire Hall for the University of Leeds.

Background

At FASTSIGNS Leeds, we have been working with the University of Leeds since 2005. In that time, we have provided them with a wide range of interior and exterior signs for various locations around their campus.

For this particular project, the university wanted us to supply new signage for the Devonshire Hall of Residence. Blocks J & K and the building known as the ‘Coach House’ had been refurbished and so new signage needed to be created and installed. A design consultancy was brought on board by the university to design the scheme. The consultancy subsequently created the artwork and the design for the signs, while we lent our production and installation expertise to the project.

The Challenge

The new exterior signage had to be sympathetic to the old building, while the interior signs needed to complement the interior design refurbishment.

Of the academic accommodation at the university, 43% is housed within listed buildings. Many of these listed buildings present challenges to providing useable space that meets the university’s needs. Care must be taken to preserve them as important heritage assets and where possible improve their efficiency with the university’s sustainable strategy.

In light of this, the university has adopted a ‘Campus Development’ masterplan that we needed to work to. The purpose of the plan is to create a strategic framework that supports the growth and ambition of the university, while working within the constraints of the campus and the City of Leeds. Ultimately, the university wants to enhance the experience of students, staff, visitors and the community.

The Solution

Fabrik Interior Design Consultancy created artwork and designs for the various signs required as part of the refurbishment works in the Coach House, a converted Victorian mansion house within the grounds of Devonshire Hall. We worked alongside Fabrik to choose the materials and sizes required for the signs and graphic panels, creating samples for the university to check and confirm their suitability.

After all the signs were approved, we produced door signs, waste bin signs with braille, and artwork panels in the corridors, combined with acoustic material and external directional signs.

The Results

Working with Amanda from Fabrik Interior Design Consultancy, we helped create, produce and install all the required signs and graphic panels for the university. The end result is fresh new signage that compliments the old building. The interior design refurbishment also works very well, with new signage and graphics panels creating a bright and welcoming space.