Through an aesthetic lens: Transforming a Sydney office with a stunning glass wall mural

When you are contacted by a prominent Sydney photographer, tasked with the responsibility of creating a spectacular digital print wall mural, using an original photograph – you know the results will be something special.

Initially, we created a resolution proof using the client’s first choice photograph. Upon issuing that proof, the client decided they wanted to change the photo being used, so we issued another resolution proof which met with her satisfaction.

This is just a glimpse of the processes we have in place to ensure that the office signage we produce and install will meet or exceed your expectations.

The next significant challenge to overcome was installation.

When you are installing a digital print wall mural, measuring 6.5m x 2.4m, across 7 adjoining glass partitions, you know that hours of precise, painstaking work lay ahead. And, as is sometimes the case in an office setting, desks hindering access to the panels only added to the challenge.

We usually have 1 -2 meters of clearance off the windows, this time we had desks fixed in place just 4.5cm away from the window, which in first glance seemed impossible.

However, six hours later, and to the delight of the client who was sharing the process with her 1.5 million Instagram followers, our work was complete. And before our eyes was a truly spectacular digital print wall mural. A stunning impact piece, and a perfect example of how well-produced and seamlessly installed office signage has the power to completely transform the space.

If you are based in Sydney, looking to breathe life into your workspace and inspire your staff and clients, please contact Sydney Signs Portal today.

Window Frosting: The Geometry of Style

One of the great privileges we have here at Sydney Signs Portal is participating in the growth and development of emerging interior design trends in contemporary offices.

One such office interior design trend is the use of geometric patterns for window frosting. Among which, the hexagon pattern is proving to be a particularly special approach as a window frosting solution.

Complimenting a variety of interior designs, hexagonal window frosting is both stylish and functional. Its geometry offers a wonderful business-like aesthetic, while providing the office privacy you require.

One of the great features of hexagonal window frosting is that it offers a wide range of variations. We can print your company colours on all of the hexagons – or just a selection – creating a striking effect of scattered elements. We also have the option of producing hexagons that are larger or smaller – depending on your preference – as well as choosing to fill or leave them empty. Working together, we are only limited by our collective imagination.

The experience our team at Sydney Signs Portal has with designing and installing window frosting over the years, presents a wonderful opportunity for your business to benefit greatly without the need for the type of costly investment normally associated with the interior design of your office.

Contact us today, and you too can discover why an increasing number of our clients are delighted with the style and appeal offered by hexagonal window frosting.

Ingenious Interior Design to a Deadline

Few opportunities excite our team more than being presented with the task of interior design and transforming an office space with a range of signs, wall decals and glass decals.

Such was the case, when the wonderful people at Ingenia Communities reached out to us to complete this important work. As Australia’s largest owner operator of seniors communities, we appreciated the responsibility we had been entrusted with.

The project had an added dimension of difficulty in that we were working to an incredibly tight deadline – not the most optimal conditions when approaching interior design.

Thankfully, the creativity of our graphic designer, coupled with the helpful guidance and clear direction from the client, saw us deliver on schedule.

Be it the signage, the glass decals, the striking wall stickers or the impressive graphics featured on the columns – the results were exceptional. And, most importantly, exceeded the expectations of the client.

Ingenia Communities now has a space that motivates its team with uplifting signs. The words, quotations and graphics serve as inspiration. It Is a space that welcomes guests and projects the warmth, security and sense of connectivity that is at the heart of their organisation.

Expeditors – Quotable Interior Design

A Fortune 500 company with their headquarters based in Seattle, Washington, Expeditors is a company renowned for delivering highly optimised and customised supply chain solutions for their clients through a global network of 331 locations in 109 countries on six continents.

When their Sydney team, based in Banksmeadow, reached out to Sydney Signs Portal, their brief presented us with an opportunity to showcase our flare for interior design. Five meeting rooms were the canvas for our interior design specialist to work their magic, designing wall graphics to do justice to the inspiring quotes we were provided.

Somewhat appropriately, one of the featured quotes is by Aristotle, and reads: “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence therefore is not an act but a habit.”

Looking deeper than the five meeting rooms at Expeditors that we adorned with elegantly designed wall decals, the refined creativity that went into the wall graphics we created – and the quality of the finished product – is reflective of the excellence that Sydney Signs Portal has made our habit.

UNICEF SYDNEY OFFICE SIGNAGE

There are few organisations out there that command respect on the international stage in the way that UNICEF does. Since 1946, UNICEF has championed the rights of children, ensuring that the most vulnerable humans in conflict zones and disaster-stricken regions receive the food, water, medical assistance and education they need. This tireless work is in pursuit of a world where no child is denied basic needs, joy and safety.
So it was quite an honour for Sydney Signs Portal to be contacted by Unicef to complete a major installation at their Sydney CBD office.
After receiving their brief and inspecting the site, it became quickly apparent that the work they were wanting was well beyond their budget. Normally we would advise a client on ways to modify their ideas to accommodate their budget – but this IS UNICEF. As part of our ethical commitment, it felt right to offer this esteemed client a substantial discount, and deliver finished results that would exceed their expectations.
Sensing an opportunity to deliver more than the requested office world map wall graphics – and in keeping with our reputation as market-leading innovators – we were excited to debut our very own invention: digital print on whiteboard. The result being a 4.2m x 2.3m world map wall mural with office whiteboard functionality. Using erasable whiteboard markers, this office wall map can be used to plot points, make notes and strategically plan any international operations.

We also installed a more traditional vinyl office whiteboard in one of the UNICEF offices. As whiteboard vinyl on white wall tends to blend, making the borders indistinguishable, it is not uncommon for people to accidentally write on walls. We resolved this issue by adding a custom black boarder to the office whiteboard. This also achieved a more aesthetically pleasing finish, resembling an old-school whiteboard.
While it may be on point or a trend for businesses to assign offices the names of prominent world cities – this carries far more meaning when UNICEF decides to do it. As is custom for room name glass stickers, we used vinyl glass decals. The classic font in black maintains the formal appearance and is timeless.
For the two meeting rooms requiring privacy, we installed classic simple window frosting.

When you are working with an organisation that gives so much to those who have so little, you feel compelled to give as much as you can. Beyond our time and materials; our expertise; our attention to detail; our ability to innovate – it was our an honour to give generously to UNICEF. The spectacular results only further confirm our commitment to excellence.

9 Reasons Why you Should Consider Printing on Window Frosting for Your Business

The Look
Simple opaque frosting has its uses and value, but printed window frosting offers unique appeal to your business or workspace. Its soft, delicate appearance is pleasing to the eye, and will set your business apart from your competitors.

2. A Two-sided perspective
Take advantage of being able to see a print from both sides – the result being equally impressive inside or out.

3. Natural Light
Even with a print, your space will still enjoy the luminous comfort and functionality of ample light.

4. Diffused Light
Window Frosting’s light diffusing quality delivers a softer light that disperses throughout a room, gently wrapping objects and limiting the casting of harsh shadows.

5. Protects your Interior
By taking advantage of the sunlight protection offered by window frosting, you can save money on replacements, maintaining the quality appearance of your carpets, curtains and furnishings in a room.

6. Privacy
Window Frosting is a cost-effective means to maintain control of the spaces in your business where peering eyes are permitted.

7. The Partition’s Friend
Frosting’s matte finish make it the perfect solution to ensure your glass partitions function as intended, but also lends itself to making your partitions a potentially eye-grabbing design feature.

8. Branding
Where we see glass, we see branding opportunities. Printed on frosting can turn your lifeless windows or glass partitions into a client-impressing, or employee-satisfying, branding feature of your workspace.

9. Transform your Space
Limited only by your imagination, with printed on frosting, you can add a vibrance and energy to a space that helps stimulate the productivity of your staff, and leaves a positive impression on customers.

Wanting further inspiration? Check out these examples of our printing on frosting work

13 Facts About Window Frosting

1. PRIVACY

Basically window frosting is used for privacy. It is installed in offices, boardrooms, meeting rooms, storage rooms, and also in private homes – in bathrooms, showers, laundries, toilets, low lying balconies and on front doors. Even when the highest level of privacy is required, window frosting is still the best product for that – it is not transparent at all. Privacy is the most popular feature of the frosted films, but not the only one.

2. Decoration

Window frosting is also widely used for interior decoration. Patterns, flowers, branches, geometric shapes, all types of stripes and squares are used for frosting. Computer cutting makes it possible to create endless design options for offices and homes, combining it with privacy and sun protection. Window frosting decorations are very delicate, subtle and exquisite. Compared to other materials, window frosting adds elegance and brings a space to life.

3. Office Branding

Window frosting is used for office branding. Your company logo and signage can be computer cut into the frosting that is intended for any particular window. We can create frosted lettering, frosted logos, frosted graphics or frosted patterns, instead of making it simply black, white or some other color.

4. Sun Control

Window frosting is used for solar heat control. It prevents rooms from getting too hot during summer days and helps to reduce energy consumption and save on air conditioning costs. Window frosting can also extend the life of curtains, carpet and furniture fabrics, by limiting the amount of sun bleaching these items would otherwise be exposed to.

5. Security

Window frosting is used for security – preventing potential thieves from being able to view the valuable contents in a room.

6. Shattered Glass Protection

Window frosting is also used as a protection against shattered glass. Frosted film creates a safety layer on a window and is able to hold sharp glass pieces together when a window is broken, prevents them from scattering, causing damage to the interior and injuries to people inside the room.

7. Printing On Frosting

Window frosted films are printable which can be used for branding and interior decoration as well. We can print literally anything on window frosting.

8. Cut Outs

At the production stage we can cut letters, graphics or stripes out of plain window frosting so it could be installed both for privacy, decorative purposes or branding. Allowing small channels of visibility helps create a non-claustrophobic but, still, private space for those inside.

9. Matte Or Sparkling?

Frosted material can have various effects on glass: frosted, dusted or sparkling – depending on the choice of film. The majority of companies in Sydney prefer a so called “dusted window film” to create a neutral, translucent light grey effect with matte finish. Frosted film will appear translucent matte silver – though it depends on the manufacturer as to how much “silver” you will get – it varies between brands. Sparkling window film will normally have microscopic metallic particles in it to create that sparkling effect on glass, but remains smooth and translucent like other types of window frosting.

10. Inside Or Outside?

Window frosting is generally applied to the internal side of the window. It is not designed for long life outdoors. Good quality window films will last for many years outdoors, but still not as long as the same frosting installed internally.

11. Wet Application

For window frosting installation, a so called “wet application” method is used. It means the glass surface needs to be sprayed with soapy water so the frosted decal can slide on the glass to be perfectly positioned and leveled, and easily re-positioned if needed. Wet installation also prevents frosted film from being damaged, as the film becomes more flexible and manageable, helping to avoid bubbles and wrinkles.

12. Wet Cloud

On the installation day a frosted decal may look slightly cloudy. Because of the wet application method, we usually allow several days for window frosting dry. Drying results in the natural evaporation of the so called “wet cloud” under the frosting, usually within a week. Drying time depends on many conditions: room temperature, glass temperature, humidity, sun in the room, or air conditioning.

13. Too Easy to Maintain

Frosted windows are very easy to maintain. Frosting is water and detergent resistant therefore it can be easily cleaned with water and mild detergents. Though abrasive cleaning materials and sharp tools should not be used on frosted areas of the glass as it may scratch and damage the film.

Pirtek Stadium Project

48 WINDOW FROSTINGS – DONE IN ONE DAY

This was an epic installation of a glass matte frosting window film by Sydney Signs Portal. Excited by the challenge, we managed to successfully install the frosting of 48 changing room windows in one day.

Pirtek Stadium is a multi-purpose outdoor Stadium which was officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 5 March 1986. Pirtek Stadium is recognized as the home of the local rugby league team, the Parramatta Eels, as well as the A-League’s Western Sydney Wanderers, the Greater Sydney Rams and the NSW Surge. In addition, the Stadium has hosted numerous rugby league, rugby union and football internationals as well as other significant national and international sporting events such as Australian Super Championships.

Macquarie University: Architectural Glass Decal Project

SYDNEY SIGNS PORTAL INSTALLS 180 METERS OF FROSTING FOR TAYLOR CONSTRUCTION GROUP.

We are happy to announce that on October 24, 2014 Sydney Signs Portal successfully completed a large-scale Glass Decal project at Macquarie University. The installation of glass frosting was ordered by Taylor Construction Group for the new premises of The Australian Institute of Health Innovation (AIHI), who recently announced their intention to relocate from the University of New South Wales to join the Faculty of Medicine at Macquarie University.

TAYLOR CONSTRUCTION GROUP CREATES NEW SPACE FOR AIHI

Taylor Construction Group is one of Australia’s largest, fastest growing construction companies, specialising in Commercial Construction, Retail Construction, Industrial Construction, Aged Care Construction, Educational & Universities, Motor Showrooms, Refurbishment & Fitout Projects. One of their latest Interior Fitout projects was the new office space for Australian Institute of Health Innovation, which occupies the entire sixth level floor of one of the Macquarie University buildings.

AMAZING GLASS DECAL PATTERN DESIGNED BY DWP|SUTERS

The new premises for AIHI – including the privacy frosted decals – were designed by dwp|suters, award winning architects and interior designers who specialise in Architecture, Interior Design, Master Planning and Urban Design, creating exceptional spaces for life, work and community. The amazing geometric pattern was designed to be cut out of a matte frosted film which is 1200 mm wide. When it was installed on the surface of glass partitions, it transformed the space with a contemporary look that was a highlight of the new premises.

DECAL INSTALLATION TURNAROUND: 7 DAYS

Frosted glass decals 1200 mm wide with a cut-out pattern were installed by Sydney Signs Portal on the glass walls of 31 offices – the entire sixth level floor in one of the Macquarie University buildings. The total length of the frosted material used was 180 linear meters. The type of the material used for the decals was dusted vinyl film – a product that helps to create a sophisticated matte effect on glass, ensures total privacy while allowing enough natural light to enter the room.

MAINTAINING HIGHEST QUALITY STANDARDS

Frosted window films are unforgiving with any mistakes made during production and installation. Even the smallest error leaves a visible defect which cannot be corrected, resulting in several meters of frosted vinyl material going to waste. This is one reason why Sydney Signs Portal is committed to maintaining the highest quality standards when performing the window film computer cut and installations. The frosted glass decal was cut with precision on our imported Japanese equipment. The next stage was to inspect and ensure that all the glass was perfectly clean, as any dust, dirt, oil, sand, paint, masking tape or any adhesive residue may affect the quality and durability of the decal. If not clean, any contamination will remain under the frosting for years and be a visible, unsightly annoyance. Once the glass was ready, Sydney Signs Portal took great care with the installation, paying extremely close attention to the finest details.

ONLY PREMIUM QUALITY MATERIALS

Sydney Signs Portal goes to great lengths to source the best quality materials for all projects. For the Macquarie University project we used Avery Dennison® MPI Dusted Glass translucent vinyl, which is a polymeric calendered window film. This simply means – one of the best. It is created to provide excellent dimensional stability (does not shrink or change its shape) and superior indoor durability – 9 years on internal glass partitions.
Window Frosting Sydney