Hunter Conference Sign
11' Freestanding Feature
Designed for Stable Fountain Installation
Project Summary
A large-format 11-foot event sign engineered for a shallow-water fountain setting. The build combined a lightweight EPS core, polyurea hard coat, Sherwin-Williams finish system and concealed concrete ballast in the base to deliver scale, visual impact, and practical stability.
Quick Facts
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Industry | Events |
| Client Type | Event / Conference Production |
| Product | Custom 11′ Tall Sign |
| Materials | EPS foam + polyurea hard coating + Sherwin-Williams paint |
| Structural Support | Concrete ballast concealed inside the base |
| Timeline | ~3–4 weeks |
| Budget Range | $$ |
Project overview
This project involved the fabrication of an 11-foot custom conference sign designed to serve as a large-format visual centerpiece within an event environment.
What made the installation unusual was the final placement condition: the sign needed to stand in a shallow fountain, roughly one foot deep, rather than on a standard dry surface.
The solution balanced visual scale, clean finished presentation, and practical installation requirements by using a lightweight foam-based construction method with a concealed weighted base for stability.
The Challenge
Context
- Large-scale branded sign for an event / conference environment.
- Needed to create strong visual impact at 11′ tall.
- Required installation in a shallow water fountain setting.
Constraints
- The structure had to remain visually clean while incorporating hidden stabilization.
- The sign needed to be practical to fabricate, transport, and position on site.
- Finish quality had to be polished enough for a high-visibility branded environment.
Risks
- Instability caused by height and the water-based placement condition.
- Excessive weight if built as a traditional solid scenic structure.
- Added installation complexity due to leveling and footing considerations in the fountain.
The Solution (Engineering Approach)
Material System
- EPS foam core used for primary volume and scale while keeping the sign substantially lighter than a solid-built alternative.
- Polyurea hard coating applied to create a more durable exterior shell for handling and event use.
- Sherwin-Williams paint system used to deliver the final surface finish and color consistency.
Structural System
- Concrete ballast concealed inside the base to improve stability without affecting the visible design.
- Weight concentrated in the lower section to better support the sign’s height and freestanding performance.
- Base design planned around the specific fountain-installation condition.
Fabrication
- Foam components shaped and assembled to achieve full-scale presence without unnecessary structural mass.
- Hard coating and finish work completed prior to delivery for an event-ready presentation.
- Build method optimized for practical transport and on-site handling.
System Architecture
Layer Structure:
- EPS foam core for lightweight mass and shape
- Internal structural support for upright performance
- Concealed concrete ballast in the base for added stability
- Polyurea hard coat for durability and surface strength
- Sherwin-Williams painted finish for final presentation quality
Result: A large-format sign system that maintained visual impact while incorporating hidden stabilization for a challenging water-feature installation.
Implementation Process
Step 1 — Design: Review of dimensions, visual goals, and installation conditions.
Step 2 — Engineering: Weighted-base planning and stability strategy for fountain placement.
Step 3 — Fabrication: Foam shaping, assembly, hard coating, and finish application.
Step 4 — Delivery: Transport planning centered on preserving finish quality and simplifying handling.
Step 5 — Installation: Placement, leveling, and final visual check for event readiness.
Results (Key Metrics)
| Metric | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Weight efficiency | Substantially lighter than a comparable solid-built scenic structure. |
| Installation practicality | Easier to handle and position than a traditional heavy alternative. |
| Stability | Concealed base weighting improved confidence in final placement. |
| Logistics | Reduced overall transport and handling burden compared with heavier construction methods. |
| Visual outcome | Delivered oversized branded presence with a clean finished presentation. |
| Surface durability | Hard-coated exterior better suited for handling and short-term exposure. |
Value Analysis (TCO)
| Parameter | Traditional Build | Foam-Based System |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Heavy | Lightweight |
| Installation | More difficult | More manageable |
| Transport | More complex | More efficient |
| Finish Flexibility | Moderate | High |
| Structural Styling | Limited by weight | Easier to scale visually |
| Event Practicality | Lower | Higher |
FAQ
Can a sign like this be installed in water?
Yes, when the installation condition is planned in advance, the build can be engineered around shallow-water placement and stability needs.
Why use EPS foam instead of a heavier material?
EPS allows large-scale visual impact without the excessive weight and handling complications of a fully solid structure.
Is hidden weight possible for stability?
Yes. Ballast can be integrated inside the base so stability improves without compromising the visible design.
Can projects like this be customized in size and finish?
Yes. Scale, finish, color, and structural approach can all be tailored to the event environment.
