Constitution Place
Wayfinding, Building + Construction, Government, Professional Services
Government House
Heritage meets precision.
Industry
- Government
Deliverables
- Signage
- Wayfinding Systems
Government House is the official residence of the Governor-General. In addition to serving as a residence, Government House is where Prime Ministers and Ministers are sworn in to office, international leaders are welcomed, and where the achievements of Australia’s most outstanding citizens are officially acknowledged.
Government House engaged Swell to design a wayfinding system for the house and grounds. Hosting more than 100 events and welcoming over 50,000 Australians each year, the site required a solution that was both practical, yet unobtrusive. Clean, simple, and contemporary, the wayfinding system quietly complements the heritage character of the site, originally built as a farmhouse in the 1830s.
Swell worked closely with grounds staff, senior Government House representatives, and a heritage architect to ensure every sign placement respected the site’s historical and cultural significance. The resulting system delivers a cohesive, understated, and highly-functional wayfinding experience, guiding visitors confidently while respecting the dignity and heritage of Government House.
The signage system prioritises clarity and legibility, featuring a contemporary typographic style that communicates information effectively without overwhelming the gardens or architecture.
Highly finished, formed concrete bases anchor the signage package, incorporating subtle shadow lines. On top, plinths of thick aluminium faces are engineered to resist warping or rippling, with joins and fittings carefully concealed to create the appearance of a solid, monolithic block.
