Northampton Signs recently completed a striking architectural cladding project for Primark Leeds at White Rose Shopping Centre, creating a bold entrance feature that transforms the main approach to the store. The project centred around a distinctive aqua-blue portico surrounding the glazed entrance, combining clean contemporary lines with a highly detailed fluted finish. Designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing shopfront and building structure, the completed entrance provides Primark with a strong, recognisable feature that stands out against the surrounding glazed façade.
Creating a Standout Entrance for Primark Leeds
The main feature of the Primark Leeds project is the large architectural portico positioned around the store entrance. The structure incorporates smooth aluminium cladding alongside closely spaced vertical fluted aluminium sections, creating depth and texture across the façade. The design also includes carefully formed curved corners around the opening, allowing the vertical fluting to continue around the shape and giving the entrance a softer, more refined appearance.
Attention was given to maintaining clean transitions between the individual sections of cladding. The design uses concealed joints and carefully aligned flutes so that the finished installation appears continuous across the front of the entrance. The fluted sections were also designed with internal sleeves to assist with alignment, helping to maintain the consistent appearance of the feature across the completed façade.
Bespoke Aluminium Cladding and Detailing
A combination of smooth and fluted aluminium was used throughout the Primark Leeds entrance feature. The detailed cladding system incorporates aluminium face panels and box-section flutes, creating the pronounced vertical profile visible across the finished installation.
At the base of the portico, brushed stainless steel skirting provides a contrasting finish against the aqua-blue cladding. This creates a clean transition between the architectural feature and the surrounding paving while also providing a durable finish at ground level.
Colour-matched detailing was also incorporated where the new cladding interfaces with the existing glazing and surrounding building elements, helping the completed feature retain a consistent aqua-blue appearance.
Integrating the Portico with the Existing Entrance
One of the key considerations on the project was ensuring that the new entrance feature worked alongside the existing doors, glazing and roller shutter system. The cladding was designed to return towards the roller shutter area while maintaining the appearance of the finished portico.
Additional detailing was developed around the shutter opening, including a curved return section intended to close visible gaps when the installation is viewed from floor level. Coordination with the main contractor was also required where the portico connected with the surrounding building and feature beam cladding.
A Bold New Look for Primark Leeds
The completed Primark Leeds entrance demonstrates how bespoke architectural metalwork can transform a large commercial façade. The combination of bright aqua-blue finishes, strong vertical fluting, curved detailing and brushed stainless steel gives the entrance a distinctive identity while complementing the modern glazed elevation of the White Rose store.
From the wider approach to the close-up detailing around the entrance, the finished portico creates a strong focal point and demonstrates Northampton Signs’ ability to deliver complex fabricated cladding features where precision, finish and integration with the existing architecture are essential.
Bespoke Architectural Metalwork from Northampton Signs
At Northampton Signs, our in-house manufacturing capabilities allow us to produce much more than traditional signage. Projects such as Primark Leeds demonstrate how our fabrication expertise can be applied to architectural cladding, bespoke aluminium features, retail façades and custom metalwork.
By managing fabrication and installation as part of the same project, we can produce bespoke features that are designed around the building, brand and practical requirements of each site, helping retailers create entrances that are both functional and visually distinctive.
At Northampton Signs, we provide cladding not only in Leeds but also across Europe. Get in touch with us to discuss your project. Check our LinkedIn for more project updates.