New life for The Hoover Building

Having worked together on previous projects, Signs Express (Harlow) were commissioned by design consultancy Brand-ing to bring this stunning concept to life by printing, supplying and installing 120 linear metres of hoarding for their client IDM Properties. Full colour pictures depicting original features of the art deco building are located at specific points in the hoarding to mirror their position within the Hoover Building, so accuracy of installation was paramount in creating the intended design effect on this high profile project. Gary Ingram, Creative Director of Brand-ing commented "We have been working with Signs Express Harlow for a number of years now. They are a great asset to our company. Whether it's hoardings, vehicle liveries or flexface signage, they are our go to Company of choice". www.brand-ing.co.uk Clearly visible from the A40 Western Avenue, The Hoover Building dates back to 1932, when built for The Hoover Company to house the production of upright cleaners. Modern architectural commentators generally treat the Hoover Building as art deco design but the originator Thomas Wallis called his style 'Fancy'! The building is said to have been inspired by the art of Central and Northern American Indians, though there are Egyptian touches too. The building was constructed using "Snowcreate" (a white concrete that will always stay looking like new) and is decorated with bright colour faience. During the Second World War much of the factory was given over to manufacturing aircraft parts - the building being camouflaged with netting to avoid bombing by German aircraft. Following the war Hoover UK expanded, adding more factory space on the site, continuing to manufacture cleaners until the early 1980's when production relocated to its Scottish facility. A few years later Hoover left the site for good, the buildings remained empty and slowly fell into disrepair. In 1980 the original building was granted Grade II listing. The building and surrounding site was then bought by Tesco's supermarket in 1989 for conversion to a superstore. Some 10 years later following lengthy restoration of the facade preserving much of the original detailing, the rear ground floor opened as a Tesco superstore, the original building remaining unoccupied. Fast forward to today and the iconic building is now undergoing the process of careful renovation to transform the interiors into luxury apartments combining modern features with salvaging and re-using of as many original features as possible to retain the full glory of this architectural treasure. www.idmproperties.com/property/the-hoover-building/ Hoardings not only keep development sites secure but also provide a great marketing opportunity to promote current offers and events keeping the public informed of new developments. A well designed printed hoarding projects a professional image for the developer as soon as they are in place, advertise the project 24/7 and have the scope to present all the key features to potential clients. Signs Express (Harlow) supply and install bespoke hoarding solutions alongside other site signage and are happy to discuss any requirements you may have.