Dakota Hotel Manchester Airport

Project: Dakota Hotel

Location: Manchester Airport

Architect: GMI Construction

Designer: GMI Construction

Brief: To design, manufacture and install premium external illuminated signage together with bespoke canopy and eaves feature detailing to enhance the hotel’s external presence and guest arrival experience.

The Project Brief

Dakota Hotel at Manchester Airport required a high-quality external package that reflected the brand’s reputation for luxury, sophistication and attention to detail. Working under the instruction of GMI Construction, Image Technique was appointed to deliver both the external signage and bespoke canopy works as part of this prestigious hospitality development.

The project called for a seamless integration of architectural features and illuminated branding, ensuring the hotel made a strong first impression while complementing the building’s contemporary design. The scope included halo-illuminated Dakota signage, feature entrance branding, bespoke canopy feature bands and architectural eaves detailing.

The Challenge

As a flagship airport hotel development, the project demanded exceptional quality standards throughout. The signage and architectural elements needed to align perfectly with Dakota’s premium brand guidelines while also withstanding the demands of an exposed external environment.

The canopy and eaves features required careful engineering and precision manufacturing to ensure seamless integration with the building façade. In addition, installation works had to be carefully coordinated alongside façade contractors, structural teams and other trades within a busy live construction environment, maintaining programme deadlines without compromising quality.

How We Helped

Image Technique collaborated closely with GMI Construction throughout the project, providing specialist expertise in both signage and architectural metalwork.

For the external branding, we manufactured and installed bespoke halo-illuminated aluminium letterforms finished in Dakota Bronze. The signage featured internally mounted LED illumination and concealed fixing systems, creating a clean floating appearance that complements the building’s contemporary architecture. The package included both the prominent Dakota branding and the distinctive ‘DD’ entrance signage, ensuring strong visibility from key arrival routes.

Alongside the signage package, our team fabricated and installed approximately 90 metres of bespoke canopy feature bands and eaves detailing. Constructed from precision-engineered aluminium components and finished in Dakota Bronze, these architectural elements were designed to integrate seamlessly with the building envelope while providing a refined and consistent visual identity throughout the frontage.

Through detailed planning, off-site manufacture and close coordination with GMI Construction and associated trades, we delivered the complete package efficiently and safely within programme requirements.

Outcomes

The completed signage and canopy installation has created a striking external presence for Dakota Hotel Manchester Airport. The halo-illuminated branding provides a sophisticated and highly visible identity, while the bespoke canopy and eaves features enhance the architectural character of the building.

The finished result delivers a premium guest arrival experience that reflects Dakota’s luxury hospitality standards. By combining design-led signage with expertly manufactured architectural detailing, the project successfully elevates the hotel’s external appearance while providing long-term durability and performance.

A Thank You from the Client

“Image Technique delivered a high-quality package that met the exacting standards required for the Dakota Hotel brand. Their ability to manage both the architectural feature elements and illuminated signage ensured a coordinated finish across the entire frontage. The attention to detail, workmanship and professionalism shown throughout the project contributed significantly to its success.” – GMI Construction*

Looking Ahead

Image Technique is proud to support leading contractors such as GMI Construction on complex, design-led developments across the UK. As the hospitality sector continues to invest in premium guest experiences and architectural excellence, we look forward to delivering further integrated signage and architectural feature packages that bring brands and buildings to life.