Apex Signages was engaged as the outdoor building signage contractor to design, fabricate, and install a single integrated freestanding signage for the LTA Office at Tanah Merah Coast Road, Singapore. The feature sign combines 3D stainless steel signage, front-lit acrylic lettering and UV-printed logos, engineered for long-term outdoor performance in Singapore’s coastal environment. As part of LTA’s sustainability and green initiative, the project also incorporated a solar-powered system mounted on the perimeter fence, demonstrating how 3D signage Singapore solutions can be both visually impactful and energy-efficient.
The final solution delivers strong day and night visibility, durable construction and efficient illumination, offering a practical reference for organisations seeking premium stainless steel signage and front-lit or backlit signage options in Singapore.
Project Overview
Apex Signages was tasked to provide a clean, modern and durable identification signage for the LTA Office at Tanah Merah Coast Road. The brief called for one integrated freestanding cement wall signage incorporating:
- “DE151” 3D stainless steel non-lighted lettering
- 3D front-lit project title and location text
- UV-printed acrylic corporate logos
- A separate solar panel system to support the client’s green initiative
The signage needed to withstand outdoor coastal conditions, achieve high legibility from the roadside, and align with LTA’s visual standards while supporting reduced energy consumption.
Project Details
| Client | LTA Office |
|---|---|
| Location | Tanah Merah Coast Road, Singapore |
| Completion Date | November 2025 |
| Scope | Design, fabrication and installation of one integrated freestanding cement wall signage with 3D lettering, acrylic logo panels and solar system integration. |
| Signage Type | Freestanding outdoor building signage, 3D stainless steel signage, 3D front-lit signage. |
| Materials | 1 mm stainless steel box-up letters, 2 mm aluminium box-up (80–100 mm depth), 3 mm opal white acrylic faces, 5 mm acrylic UV-printed logo panels, M6 stainless steel anchors, waterproof junction boxes. |
| Lighting | Waterproof 12 V LED strip system, colour temperature approx. 11000 K, configured for front-lit illumination. |
| Installation Method | Ground-level installation on freestanding cement wall using mechanical fixing with stainless steel anchors and brackets; solar panel mounted to fence with custom brackets. |
Design & Fabrication Highlights
Freestanding Cement Wall Signage
The Option 1 configuration from the client-approved drawing was used as the final built version. It features a freestanding cement wall structure with “DE151” letters on the top and logo panels on the right, with the main project title and location text centrally positioned for maximum visibility.
“DE151” 3D Stainless Steel Lettering (Non-Lighted)
- Approximate size: 1377 mm (W) × 350 mm (H)
- Fabrication: 1 mm thick stainless steel, male & female box-up, about 50 mm depth
- Finish: black spray-painted surface for a strong visual contrast
- Installation: fixed to the top face of the cement wall using concealed fixings
3D Front-Lit Project Title & Location Text
- 3 mm opal white acrylic faces for even light diffusion
- 2 mm aluminium box-up structure with 80–100 mm depth, black spray-painted
- Integrated waterproof LED strip modules (approx. 11000 K) for bright, crisp white illumination
- Optimised letter sizing and spacing for roadside readability
UV-Printed Acrylic Logo Panels
- Logo panel sizes: approximately 460 mm × 280 mm and 830 mm × 280 mm
- 5 mm thick acrylic, UV-printed to achieve sharp logos and consistent brand colours
- Mounted flush to the right side of the freestanding wall for a balanced composition
Installation Process & Safety Compliance
The entire signage was installed at ground level, as the freestanding cement wall allowed safe access without any work-at-height activities. Apex Signages followed BizSafe practices for ground-level installation, including proper tool control, barricading of the work area and safe electrical isolation.
Signage Mounting
- Freestanding cement wall used as the primary supporting structure
- Signage components fixed using M6 stainless steel wall anchors and designed brackets
- Waterproof junction boxes integrated within the structure to protect connections
- Cable routes planned to maintain a neat appearance and reduce exposure to the elements
Solar Panel Installation on Fence
To support the client’s green initiative, a solar panel set with connector and battery was installed on the perimeter fence instead of tapping fully from grid power.
- Solar panel mounted on the fence using custom-fabricated steel brackets
- Panel position adjusted to avoid shaded areas and maximise sun exposure
- Cabling linked back to the signage system for charging and power support
Lighting & Visual Impact
The 11000 K LED strip system provides a crisp daylight-white tone, ensuring the front-lit text stands out clearly during low-light and night-time conditions. By combining black-coated aluminium returns with opal acrylic faces, the signage achieves:
- Strong contrast between illuminated text and background
- Uniform brightness with minimal hot spots
- A clean, modern aesthetic suitable for government infrastructure projects
The solar-assisted power arrangement reduces reliance on the main electrical supply and contributes to long-term operational cost savings, aligning with LTA’s sustainability and environmental goals in Singapore.
Challenges & Solutions
The project team encountered several site and weather-related constraints during execution. These were addressed through on-site problem solving and close coordination with the client.
| Challenge | Solution |
|---|---|
| Persistent rainy season in Singapore made it difficult to charge the solar panel naturally during testing. | A portable generator was used to simulate full load and verify the solar system’s performance before handover. |
| Some fence sections were shaded, reducing solar efficiency. | Conducted sun-path checks and repositioned the solar panel to a less shaded area to improve daily energy yield. |
| Fence geometry did not suit standard off-the-shelf brackets. | Custom steel brackets were fabricated on-site at ground level to ensure secure mounting and correct panel angle. |
Results & Client Feedback
The completed freestanding signage provides a strong visual identifier for the LTA Office at Tanah Merah Coast Road. The combination of 3D stainless steel letters, front-lit acrylic text and branded logo panels delivers a professional and modern appearance suitable for a public infrastructure environment.
LTA appreciated the overall finish, clarity of the text, and the alignment with their green initiative through the use of a solar-powered system. The signage meets both functional wayfinding requirements and corporate image expectations.
Photo Gallery
FAQ – 3D Signage & Solar-Powered Signage in Singapore
1. What is 3D front-lit signage?
3D front-lit signage uses built-up letters or logo forms with internal LED modules that shine through an acrylic face. The front face glows while the sides remain solid, creating a clean, high-visibility effect commonly used for building identification in Singapore.
2. How is stainless steel signage suitable for outdoor use in Singapore?
Stainless steel signage (typically SS304 or SS316) offers excellent corrosion resistance, making it suitable for Singapore’s humid and coastal environments. When combined with proper fabrication and installation, stainless steel signage can maintain its appearance and structural integrity for many years.
3. What is the difference between front-lit and backlit signage?
Front-lit signage illuminates the face of the letters or logo using LEDs behind an acrylic front. Backlit signage (also known as halo-lit) illuminates from behind, creating a glow around the letter edges. Both are popular choices in Singapore, and the selection depends on branding style and visibility requirements.
4. Can solar-powered systems be used for outdoor signage?
Yes. Solar-powered systems can be used to support or fully power outdoor signage, especially in open areas with good sun exposure. A properly designed system with the right panel size, battery capacity and controller can significantly reduce long-term energy costs and support green initiatives.
5. How do I choose an outdoor building signage contractor in Singapore?
Look for an outdoor building signage contractor with experience in 3D signage Singapore projects, in-house fabrication capabilities, knowledge of local site conditions, and a strong track record in LED and, if required, solar-powered solutions. Clear drawings, method statements and good communication are also key factors.
Looking to rebrand your facility or upgrade your building signage in Singapore? Work with an experienced outdoor building signage contractor that understands MNC standards and tight timelines.
