Case Study:
Window Film & Bespoke Graphics
Overview
Client: British Airways
Location: Heathrow Airport, Hounslow, London
Completion Date: May 2024
Introduction
British Airways, one of the world’s premier airlines, aimed to enhance the working environment within their base at Heathrow Airport. The primary objectives were to improve privacy and reduce solar heat gain within their glazed office pods, while also reflecting their global reach and heritage through custom-designed frosted graphics. Solarfrost Window Films was chosen to deliver this dual solution involving bespoke city and country-themed frosted graphics and clear heat reduction window film.
By selecting Solarfrost Window Films to implement this dual solution, British Airways ensured that their objectives were met with precision and creativity. The installation of city and country-themed frosted graphics, coupled with clear heat reduction window film, not only transformed the office pods at Heathrow Airport but also reinforced the airline's commitment to excellence and attention to detail in every aspect of their operations. This innovative project stands as a testament to British Airways' dedication to creating a workspace that is both functional and reflective of their brand values.
Objectives
1. Privacy: Provide necessary privacy for meetings & work without sacrificing natural light.
2. Aesthetic Enhancement: Incorporate custom frosted graphics featuring city and country themes to reflect British Airways’ global network.
3. Heat Reduction: Minimise solar heat gain to enhance employee comfort.
Solutions Provided
1. Custom City & Country Designed Frosted Graphics:
Product: Custom-cut frosted vinyl.
Design: Tailored graphics depicting iconic cities and countries, aligning with British Airways' global presence and branding.
Benefits: Enhances privacy while allowing natural light to filter through, creating a visually appealing and thematic workspace.
2. Heat Reduction Window Film:
Product: Solarfrost Esteem Clear View Window Film.
Benefits: Offers excellent heat rejection while maintaining high optical clarity, leading to a more comfortable indoor environment.
Implementation
1: Initial Consultation and Site Survey
Engaged with British Airways' Infrastructure & Security management team to determine functional requirements and design preferences.
Conducted a comprehensive site survey to evaluate the existing glazing and understand the specific needs.
2: Design and Product Selection:
Solarfrost's design partner developed custom frosted graphics designs featuring cityscapes and country themes to reflect British Airways' global identity.
Recommended Solarfrost Esteem Clear View Heat Reduction Film for its superior performance in heat rejection and optical clarity.
3: Installation:
Thoroughly cleaned and prepared the glass surfaces to each meeting pod to ensure optimal adhesion of the window film and frosted graphics.
Installed the custom frosted graphics with precision, following the approved designs and layouts.
Applied the clear heat reduction window film to the required pods, ensuring a smooth finish.
Conducted an inspection on completion to ensure all installations met British Airways' high standards.
4. Timeframe
The project commenced in January 2024 when British Airways contacted us directly. It required four months of meticulous planning before we could proceed with the on-site installation.
The on-site installation was completed over a period of three days, during which we adhered to stringent security and health & safety procedures.
We produced and installed a total of six different city/country designs: London, Paris, New York, Dubai, India & Spain.
Four of which are pictured above:
Top Left: Dubai
Top Right: Paris
Bottom Left: Spain
Bottom Right: India
Results
Aesthetic and Privacy Improvements: The bespoke city and country-themed frosted graphics added a sophisticated and thematic touch to the office pods, reflecting British Airways' global reach while providing the necessary privacy.
Enhanced Comfort: The clear heat reduction window film significantly lowered internal temperatures within the pods, creating a more comfortable working environment.
Feedback
The project received excellent feedback from British Airways’ management:
" Your solution was excellent as was the install and the city scape design made simple privacy frosting so much more, enhancing the pods not just acting as a barrier. It has also changed the way the pods have been used, moving them from useful but possibly uncomfortable meeting sites (due to the lack of privacy) to heavily utilised and efficient working meeting areas. The film has changed the way people see the pods, and the type of work they do in them as people are now confident to use them where privacy is required."
Conclusion
The successful completion of this project underscores the importance of investing in innovative solutions to create a conducive and aesthetically pleasing office setting. Solarfrost Window Films' expertise in providing installations tailored to specific needs is evident in the seamless integration of these custom designs at British Airways' headquarters at Heathrow Airport. This initiative not only contributes to a more comfortable and visually stimulating workplace but also reflects British Airways' dedication to fostering a high-quality work environment for its employees.
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