Ballycopeland Windmill is the last working windmill in Northern Ireland and the only example of a functional roller reefing system left in the world. Tandem worked with the passionate team at Historic Environment Division to design and deliver site-wide interpretation at the newly restored windmill and surrounding complex at Ballycopeland.

Working with a unique heritage site such as this, we needed to strike a balance between authentic interpretation of its history and the benefits of technology and design to enhance visitors’ understanding. We employed a combination of industrial heritage inspired graphic design, physical interactives and engaging AV to bring the stories of the windmill to life.

Through interpretation in the form of engaging graphic design, AV and physical interactives, visitors get a sense of the day-to-day realities of a working windmill like Ballycopeland, as well as the skills and expertise of the specialists helping to conserve and restore this heritage gem.

A visual language inspired by the sails of the mill was complemented with display serif Arnhem, a typeface sympathetic to the industrial setting, and NN Nouvelle Grotesk, a typeface reflecting the everyday. Similarly, as the windmill was to be a destination for all ages and abilities, we used accessible san-serif FS Me, developed in association with Mencap, for interpretive graphic panels, which were complemented by a suite of delivery mechanisms to help bring the stories of the mill to life.