In the realm of residential signage, the selection of colour palettes and materials plays a key role in setting the overarching ambiance of an entire community. Photos courtesy Signs Den Graphics
Signs Den Graphics enhanced the visual identity of two residential projects, blending material choice and light to create impactful signage.
By Ernest Florentino
In the realm of residential signage, the selection of colour palettes and materials plays a key role in setting the overarching ambiance of an entire community. Visualize, if you will, a suburban enclave adorned with signs fashioned from weathered wood, meant to evoke a sense of coastal tranquility. Similarly, if one were to think of a contemporary urban setting, perhaps you picture sleek signage, bedecked in bold, vibrant tones, with a certain air of modernity. Each choice in colour and material establishes a distinct narrative.
Two undertakings by Signs Den Graphics Inc., a signage company in Ontario, highlight the role played by signage in amplifying the inherent urban character of a setting. The company was tasked with enhancing the visual identity of two condominium projects by Harhay Developments: 9Hundred Signature Residences and Kingsway Crescent. For this purpose, Signs Den chose a meticulous approach to design, material selection, and colour. Consistent with both projects was the use of illumination to make the signs stand out.
To meet the client’s goal of enhancing brand identity, Signs Den’s expertise in crafting high quality signage solutions was combined with a deep understanding of colour psychology and material selection.
Project one
The 9Hundred Signature Residences project included four signs: three indoor signs and one outdoor. The indoor signs were a sleek, rectangular sign featuring the 9Hundred logo in brushed gold on a matte black background at the entrance; and illuminated signs. The outdoor sign was 6.1 m (20 ft) halo-lit channel letter sign, offering subtle illumination and enhancing brand visibility, even in low-light conditions, at daytime or night. Also crafted was a brushed gold finish of the real metal logo in the reception area, standing at 2.1 m (7 ft), to align with the project’s overall esthetic.
The 9Hundred project presented unique installation challenges. The team had to adapt to the special stucco surface of the exterior wall for the 6.09-m (20-ft) sign and find solutions to mount the reception logo on a grooved wall. This was done with the help of carefully printed hard templates, which skilled installers placed by drilling into the grooved wall with precision.
Project two
The Kingsway Crescent project included two sign installations, one indoor and the other outdoor. The outdoor logo sign—featuring LED halo lighting and computer-numerical control (CNC)-cut acrylic letters of 1.2 m x 1.5 m (4 ft x 5 ft), along with a 3D metal logo—was placed on the exterior concrete wall to create a cohesive brand experience for residents and visitors. Under this sign is an illuminated logo followed by the words “Kingsway Crescent.” The indoor sign, present at the reception desk, includes black channel letters.
Signs Den specializes in creating visually appealing designs that embody simplicity and elegance. The project was a collaborative effort, which saw various contractors play different roles for both projects. This smooth collaboration ensured the highest quality and consistency across all signage elements. Working closely with Harhay Developments, Signs Den ensured that each sign met exact specifications, incorporated specific fonts and materials to achieve a seamless integration with the architectural design of each building. The careful selection of materials and finishes—such as brushed gold and matte black aluminum composite material (ACM)—not only enhances the visual appeal, but also ensures durability and longevity.
Ernest Florentino owns Signs Den Graphics Inc., a sign shop which describes itself as “your friendly neighbourhood sign and printing shop” based in Mississauga, Ont.
