The Parkgate Hotel opened its doors in 2022 and we were delighted to be part of this iconic building’s transformation.
Morgans Consult were commissioned to design a tactile wayfinding and brand implementation scheme for Cardiff’s newest luxury hotel, The Parkgate. Located in two of Cardiff’s most iconic and beautiful buildings, our team couldn’t wait to get started… here’s what we did:
The Client
The Parkgate Hotel is part of the prestigious Celtic Collection. The Celtic Manor Group manage some of Wales’s most renowned hotels. They also own the Ty Hotel brand.
Morgans Consult have a long-standing relationship with the site owners, Rightacres, one of the UK’s largest commercial property developers. We have delivered ongoing consultation and signage solutions to Rightacres and the numerous businesses that lease their properties.
The Space
The Parkgate Hotel is in the heart of the Welsh capital, a stone’s throw from the Principality Stadium. The hotel is the result of an extensive renovation project, combining two of Cardiff’s most iconic buildings, the former Head Post Office and the Welsh Capital’s old County Court. Built at the turn of the turn of the 20th Century, both buildings were granted Grade II listed status in 1975 in recognition of their historical significance and its representation of the grand-Victorian and Edwardian civic architecture.
The buildings have been lovingly restored, maintaining many of the original features. Our task was twofold; to create a beautiful brand implementation scheme that would position The Parkgate alongside some of the most luxurious hotels in the UK and to plan and design a wayfinding scheme to encourage seamless navigation between the many building zones.
The Challenges
Often we’re working with a well-established brand system and a detailed vision of how the brand should be interpreted in a real-word environment. For this project however, we were working with a completely new brand. Our experienced team of consultants and creatives used brand workshops and explore how best to bring the Parkgate brand to life throughout this beautiful building.
Wayfinding Concept
The hotel incorporates two large historic buildings across six floors. There are multiple environments – a spa, restaurant, bar, café, luxurious reception hall, conference suites, and various bedroom and suite styles – each with their own specific function and aesthetic. Our wayfinding experts created a tactile signage concept that allowed for the seamless movement of visitors between these various environments and facilities.
The tactile solution is specifically designed to help the visually impaired navigate complex environments.
High End Finish
The client’s expectations for the highest quality luxury finish also meant we had to be creative in material selection and manufacturing techniques. We devised an innovative 3D printing process that enabled us to meet the client’s request for cast metal finished signage, normally be prohibitive due to cost and weight.
Decor Matching
Each zone of the hotel is furnished with items of bespoke furniture, in specific one-off colours and textures. We worked closely with the client, recommending finishes and supplying a range of samples for each item to ensure our products matched these bespoke pieces.
The interior has a complex mix of colours, textures and lighting. We produced a range of lettering and pictogram solutions that maximised legibility on a range of colours and finishes without detracting from the décor. Minimal but clear, in keeping with the age and history of the building.
Connecting the Dots
We kept the final environment in mind and found ways to ensure that, despite multiple contractors being involved, a cohesive aesthetic was achieved. Similarly, we worked closely with the artwork supplier to ensure visions aligned.
The Result
The Parkgate Hotel is beautiful, the photos speak for themselves. The external signage, with its aged bronze finish, complements the stunning building façade, giving an immediate impression of luxury on the approach.
Throughout, the restored period features are celebrated not overpowered, with the Parkgate Hotel brand complementing the natural aesthetics of the various spaces.
“We have a long standing and trusted relationship with Morgans Consult. They have successfully delivered projects for us across many different sites.
“We work to strict construction schedules. Morgans Consult always deliver our vision on time, with innovation, quality and value.”
Chris Kingston, Project Director, Rightacres:
Find out more about who we are, our previous projects and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’d like to discuss how anything mentioned in this article could help your business.
