CoffeeWave facade project
Task description
Increase visual recognition of the coffee point from a busy pedestrian route and create a warm evening atmosphere around the entrance area.
What was done
Concept development, typography adaptation, prototype review, production, mounting and final light tuning at night mode.
Materials used
Acrylic back plate, LED neon line, aluminum profile and sealed power unit.
Site constraints
The façade offered limited depth behind the glazing: mullions were shallow and the landlord restricted penetration into the insulated panel. We routed low-voltage supply through an existing tenant sleeve and kept the driver inside a ventilated service box coordinated with the HVAC contractor so intake clearances stayed within code. Wind load on the projecting script was checked against seasonal gust data for the street canyon; final mounting used discrete standoffs with vibration pads to avoid micro-fractures in the acrylic after repeated door slam vibrations from the entrance.
Lighting design choices
Color temperature was biased warm (around 2700K effective) to match interior pendant lighting and the brand’s photography style. We avoided oversaturated pink that would clip on phone cameras; instead diffusion and tube diameter were tuned so social posts read natural. Dimming was specified for after-midnight hours at 35% output to reduce light trespass to residential windows above while keeping the mark legible for late commuters.
Fabrication and QA
The script was built in two electrically independent segments for serviceability: if one curve zone ever needs rework, the remainder stays lit. Bench tests logged current draw and surface temperature for four hours at full output before packing. Crates included desiccant and orientation labels; the install crew received a single-page sequence diagram for standoff torque values and sealant bead placement.
Outcomes
Post-install footfall surveys by the client (informal counter + staff interview) suggested improved “noticed from across the street” recognition within two weeks. Maintenance has been limited to annual diffuser cleaning and driver dust-off. The CoffeeWave team continues to use the piece as the hero asset in regional franchise sales decks.
Production time: 4 days.
"The final result exceeded our expectations and improved storefront visibility." - CoffeeWave team