A rendering of phase one of the Brunswick School Natatorium plaque display
Brunswick School in Greenwich, Connecticut was looking for a high-end, low-profile, easy to use, secure, and expandable method to display plaques in their Natatorium mezzanine. The display needed to support all past awards, with room to expand for future plaques.
A rendering of the completed Brunswick School Natatorium plaque display
Staff preferred that the plaques be inserted and adjusted with a simple process, working from the center of the display as it grows outwards to the left and right.
A planning guide for the Brunswick School Natatorium plaque display
Other key preferences were the desire to keep the top row at an average “eye-level” height, and minimize the white space between each row and the plaques within the rows. The display needed to hold the plaques safely on the wall, while allowing for the easy addition of new plaques. After reviewing the installation environment and the needs of the School, we determined that our On the Step rail system would be a great option for the display.
The view of the Natatorium from the outside spectator’s windows
Special considerations needed to be taken when determining materials, tools, planning, and installation. Access to the building is highly restricted, due to the danger of drownings, and security clearance and precautions were needed for each site visit.
A side view of our On the Step system
Once inside, the wet, humid environment required waterproof and rustproof materials. Installation hardware needed to be hidden within the display, and able to penetrate the solid concrete wall.
Installing a plaque into our rail system sample
Using a plaque provided by Brunswick School, we determined the best materials and developed some samples. The approved design consisted of a rail display using white solid PVC plastic, milled with our On the Step system. This allows the display to be extended not only left and right, but up and down as needed.
Planning the location and size of phase one
We made a site visit and mapped out the display using yellow painter’s tape to document and finalize the location. After approval, we milled the rails and prepared for installation.
Drilling the rails while on site for accurate installation
Once manufactured, we transported the rails to the Natatorium and began installation. We drilled holes for the hidden hardware on site, allowing us to account for possible issues along the concrete wall.
Cleaning and filling the rails before installing plaques
The rails were installed using a hammer drill and masonry bits. Once fully installed, we sealed all hardware holes with white silicone.
Placing the plaques in proper order
The school's plaques were brought in and ordered from left to right by year and alphabetically. The first phase extended 20 feet across and provided space for 90 plaques.
Phase one is complete
Phase one of the installation took place in September, 2024. The goal was to make this phase large enough to hold all existing plaques, with soom room for expansion. This would allow for the display to look mostly complete, and leave little empty space.
Phase one of the Natatorium display, looking left
Once complete, the display will extend the length of the entire wall, a total of 67.5 feet.
Phase one of the Natatorium display, looking right
The finished display will provide room to hold upwards of 300 plaques.
A closeup of the plaques in the display
The plaques honor the athletic and academic success of past and present students at Brunswick School.
The display overlooks the spectator’s seating
The display is located in the upper mezzanine spectator's seating area. The high visibility allows students, parents, and alumn to appreciate the athlete's successes.
The display is visible from outside of the building
This wall sits under the school's soccer field, with the display installed on a supporting wall made of solid concrete. Once completed, it's visible through large windows located outside of the Natatorium.
