In 2010, the Irish Government updated its building regulations. The Part M amendment sets new rules for building design, promoting inclusive architecture that follows the principles of universal design. Under the new directives, every building must be able to be “accessed, understood and used… by persons of any age or size or… ability or disability.” Referenced by Part M, The British Standards Institute’s BS 8300:2018 also fosters the “design of an accessible and inclusive built environment.”

To help people use and understand a building, wayfinding signs must be properly designed and well placed. Part M stipulates that “all key location information, such as sign directories and orientation signs should be visual and in tactile form when low enough to be touched. Tactile signs should be designed using embossed text, symbols and/or braille.” (Building Regulations 2010 Part M, Technical Guidance Document – Section 1.6.3 (Signage))

In the decade since the regulations came into force, we have introduced a range of new wayfinding signs to help you comply with Part M. Our braille and tactile plaques and nameplates are typically made in one of two ways, with UV-cured inks or cast metal.

UV-ink wayfindng signs

This neat and minimalist design displays information on a composite aluminium panel within a slim metal frame. We powder-coat the inner panel to the specification of your choice (match brand colours or add patterns and textures) then 3-D print the text and braille characters.  The printer jets adds layer upon layer of colour and clear UV-cured ink to the plaque to create embossed text that reads well by eye and hand. Because the raised text is dried into the panel you get a unified sign that handles constant touching.

Cast bronze wayfinding signs

These premium plaques are moulded from molten metal so panel and characters are one piece. The text and braille stand out in relief from a textured background (choose from effects like leather, sand, and stipple) and read well for a lifetime. Add borders, select from a variety of background colours, and patinate, polish or oxidise your finish.