Installing Building Signage for Westlite Dormitory in Singapore
We recently completed an exciting project for Westlite Dormitory, one of Singapore’s leading providers of quality worker accommodations. Known for creating functional, safe, and comfortable living spaces, Westlite emphasises practicality over flashy branding, and this philosophy directly influenced our approach to the signage.
Our challenge was to create signs that were clear, durable, and professional, while seamlessly integrating with the building’s overall design.
1. Non-Illuminated 3D Channel Letters
The first signage element we installed was a set of non-illuminated 3D metal channel letters (Metal Signage). These were designed to achieve maximum visibility through clean contrast against the façade, without the need for illumination. The choice of non-illuminated signage was deliberate, aligning with Westlite’s practical and understated brand identity.
Installation Insight: Installing 3D channel letters is a highly precise process. Alignment and spacing must be exact to maintain visual consistency and a polished appearance. Each letter was securely mounted to ensure durability against Singapore’s tropical climate, with its heat, humidity, and heavy rainfall. The result is signage that looks crisp, professional, and dependable, qualities that reflect the ethos of Westlite itself.
2. Sky Signage
The second installation was a sky sign, mounted at rooftop level for maximum long-range visibility. While façade signage is intended for close-range pedestrians and traffic, sky signage functions as a landmark, visible from a distance to motorists, nearby buildings, and even from aerial views.
For Westlite Dormitory, the sky sign serves a crucial role: it allows the building to be easily identified without appearing overly commercial. It strikes the balance between functionality and subtle branding, ensuring the dormitory is both recognisable and true to its practical nature.
Materials & Challenges:
1. Regulatory & Approval Challenges
- BCA / local authority permits: In Singapore, sky signage requires special approvals (e.g., BCA ALS permit).
- Zoning restrictions: Not all buildings are allowed to carry rooftop or sky signage.
- Size & illumination limits: Authorities may restrict brightness, size, or materials for safety and aesthetic reasons
2. Engineering & Structural Challenges
- Wind load: Signs at high elevations face stronger wind pressure, requiring reinforced structures and wind load calculations.
- Building integration: The structure of the building must be able to support the additional weight and forces.
- Anchoring: Safe attachment without damaging the building’s façade or waterproofing is a key concern.
Sky Sign vs. Building Façade Sign
It’s easy to think of sky signs and façade signs as interchangeable, but they serve distinct functions:
Façade Signage: Installed on the building, optimised for pedestrians and close-range visibility.
Sky Signage: Installed on rooftops, designed to be seen from afar, turning the building into a recognisable landmark across the urban landscape.
For Westlite, having both ensured comprehensive visibility: the façade signage provides clarity up close, while the rooftop sign creates identity from a distance. Together, they enhance navigation and brand presence without compromising the dormitory’s ethos of simplicity.
Navigating Regulatory Requirements
In Singapore, sky signage is governed by stricter regulatory standards than regular façade signage. These include:
BCA ALS (Advertising Licensing Scheme) approval — mandatory for elevated and rooftop signs.
Safety and structural requirements — to meet wind-load, stability, and height safety standards.
Detailed engineering and permit applications — involving structural certifications, technical drawings, and sometimes additional permits.
These extra steps make sky signage more complex to design and install.
At Big Image Group, we handle this entire process, from consultation to BCA ALS submissions, so our clients can focus on their brand vision while we ensure compliance and safety.
The Westlite Dormitory signage project showcases the power of simplicity executed with precision. With the combination of non-illuminated 3D letters and a striking sky sign, the building is now both professional up close and recognisable from a distance.
This project reflects what we, Big Image Group, do best: delivering signage solutions that are practical, durable, and aligned with our client’s identity, while navigating the technical and regulatory complexities behind the scenes. The result is signage that doesn’t just identify a building, it becomes part of its story.
Westlite Dormitory is located at 25 Ubi Ave 3, Singapore 409821.
Fill up the contact form if you need help with your signage recommendation!
-
Raksha Ramkumar
Follow our Socials now !
