The Importance of Statutory Signs and Directory Signs
Featuring Our Civon Signage Project
In the vibrant, ever-evolving environment of Perth’s commercial and office spaces, the significance of clear, compliant, and visually appealing signage cannot be overstated. Statutory signs and directory signs don’t just serve a practical purpose—they are essential components of a building’s safety, accessibility, navigation, and professional presentation.
At The Factory, we specialise in delivering bespoke signage solutions for businesses across Australia, ensuring every project meets regulatory standards and elevates the workplace experience. Recently, we had the privilege of partnering with Civcon Civil & Project Management in West Perth, providing a comprehensive range of statutory and directory signage tailored to their modern office environment. This project serves as an ideal case study for understanding the vital role these signs play and the meticulous attention to quality, compliance, and aesthetics required in commercial settings.
Understanding Statutory and Directory Signs
Before delving into the details of the Civcon project, it’s important to distinguish between statutory signage and directory signage, and why each plays a pivotal role in office and commercial spaces throughout Perth and Australia-wide.
What are Statutory Signs?
Statutory signs are legally mandated in commercial buildings to ensure occupant safety, facilitate emergency response, and meet building code requirements. These signs include fire safety markers (such as fire extinguisher and fire hose reel signs), exit and emergency egress indicators with Braille for accessibility, safety glazing bands on glass, and compliance markers on doors and switchboards. Adhering to Australian Standards is not optional—it’s a legal and ethical obligation for building owners and managers.
What are Directory Signs?
Directory signs, on the other hand, are designed to guide visitors, clients, and staff within the office or commercial building. These include wall-mounted directories, wayfinding plates on doors and rooms, and tenant listings in multi-occupant complexes. High-quality directory signage conveys professionalism, enhances brand identity, and creates a seamless, welcoming navigation experience.
Statutory Signs Project Feature
Civcon, a leading civil construction company based in the heart of West Perth, sought to upgrade their office signage to reflect their commitment to safety, compliance, and modern aesthetics. Our team at The Factory, was entrusted with the design, fabrication, and installation of a wide array of statutory and directory signs. The project’s scope and detail highlight the expertise required to deliver best-in-class signage solutions for contemporary workspaces.
Directory Signage: Blending Function with Form
One of the highlights of the Civcon project was the creation and installation of a bespoke directory sign system for their main foyer area. Here’s how we approached it:
Material Selection: We chose a luxurious matt white acrylic for the directory wall plates. Acrylic is not only durable and easy to clean but also offers a sleek, modern finish that complements a variety of decors.
Innovative Fixing Method: The plates were blind fitted to a feature wooden slat wall. This fixing method eliminates visible screws or mounts, creating a sophisticated ‘floating’ appearance that maintains the integrity of both the signage and the architectural feature wall.
Curved Directory Signs: Instead of traditional flat plates, we fabricated curved directory signs that add dimension and tactile interest. Curved signage is not only visually striking but also easier to read from different angles, enhancing accessibility and user experience.
Gloss Black Acrylic Lettering: To ensure optimal legibility and a striking contrast, gloss black acrylic lettering was precision-applied onto the matt white acrylic plates. This high-gloss finish catches the light beautifully and underscores the premium feel of the entire signage suite.
The result? A directory that is as functional as it is eye-catching, providing clear direction to staff and visitors while elevating the professional image of Civcon’s West Perth office.
Statutory Signage: Meeting and Exceeding Compliance
No office fitout is complete without comprehensive statutory signage. At Civcon, we provided a range of compliant safety and regulatory signs, each meticulously crafted to meet or exceed relevant Australian Standards.
Fire Hose Reel Sign: Using premium-grade digital print with a matt lamination, we produced a fire hose reel sign mounted on an ACP (Aluminium Composite Panel) substrate. This ensures long-term durability and optimal visibility in any lighting conditions, crucial for emergency response.
Braille Exit Panels: Accessibility is a core feature of statutory compliance in Australia. Our silver-finished Braille exit panels were fabricated to provide tactile and visual cues for all occupants, ensuring compliance with Australian Standards. Each panel is robust, vandal-resistant, and aesthetically integrated with the overall office design.
Cleaner Panel Signs: Essential but often overlooked, our cleaner panel signs were produced using standard PVC, finished in black on silver. These meet all relevant standards for clarity and durability while maintaining a cohesive visual style in line with the rest of the signage throughout the workspace. By attending to these essential yet discrete details, we reinforced Civcon’s commitment to safety, compliance, and workplace efficiency.
End Result: A Lasting Impression
Civcon’s directory signs and statutory signs are a testament to what’s possible when design excellence meets technical expertise. The new signage suite not only meets statutory requirements but also enhances wayfinding, accessibility, and the aesthetic appeal of the office environment. Most importantly, it communicates Civcon’s brand values—innovation, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to safety—at every touchpoint.
Ready to transform your space?
At The Factory, we pride ourselves on delivering bespoke signage solutions tailored to each client’s unique space and vision. If you’re looking to transform your workspace with directory signs and statutory signage that balances compliance, function, and design, contact us today to discuss your project.
Let’s make your vision a reality!
