f.r.a. Designs Wayfinding and Placemaking for Starlight’s Lighthaus Liverpool BTR Development
Award-winning design studio f.r.a. has completed the wayfinding and placemaking for Lighthaus Liverpool, a new build-to-rent (BTR) development by Starlight Investments (“Starlight”), located within the Liverpool Waters regeneration area.
Liverpool continues to establish itself as one of the UK’s most dynamic rental housing markets, with Lighthaus providing 278 new homes on the city’s historic waterfront. Completed at the end of 2025, and with a recently announced Grand Opening, the development has welcomed its first residents and offers a wide range of shared amenities designed to support contemporary urban living.
These include a sky lounge with panoramic views across the Mersey, a rooftop terrace, fitness centre, co-working spaces, private dining facilities and a 24-hour concierge service.
London and Shrewsbury based f.r.a., a B Corp certified design studio specialising in the built environment, retail and hospitality, was appointed to develop a comprehensive wayfinding and placemaking scheme that would enhance the resident experience while aligning closely with the Lighthaus brand. The project marks f.r.a.’s first collaboration with Starlight in the UK.
Drawing inspiration from Lighthaus’ prominent waterfront setting, f.r.a.’s design approach references Liverpool’s maritime heritage through material choice, form and detailing, interpreted in a contemporary language. Rounded forms and brass finishes echo nautical lighting and ship windows, while integrated lighting within signage elements provides both directional clarity and a distinctive, visual identity.
At the main entrance, specialist lighting techniques are used to illuminate the Lighthaus logo, reinforcing arrival and legibility. Internally, illuminated amenity signage adds warmth and a premium feel, subtly referencing the atmosphere of a modern cruise liner. Brass was selected to complement the building’s interior ironmongery and ensure consistency across the scheme.
f.r.a. worked closely with the Starlight’s brand designers, Society Studios, to develop the tone of voice, typography and graphic language, ensuring the wayfinding integrates seamlessly with the wider Lighthaus identity.
Wesley Meyer, Creative Director of f.r.a. said;
“Designing the wayfinding was an exercise in careful curation of details. Maritime inspired concepts can quickly fall into an unsophisticated pastiche. Our team edited design choices carefully to keep the wayfinding rooted in the building’s context while connecting with a modern design-aware audience.”
The studio’s project management team, led by project director, Jamie Trippier, adds;
“Delivering this scheme required meticulous attention at every stage, from material sampling and detailed drawing reviews to extensive prototyping. We prioritised sustainable choices throughout, selecting brass, aluminium and Foamalux Eco board, ensuring the scheme aligns with both design integrity and environmental responsibility”.
Trippier went on to say:
“Rigorous quality control and close collaboration with Starlight’s team, ensured every element met our exacting standards. The result is a wayfinding system that realises the design intent while delivering a distinctive brand experience for residents.”
Paola Marocchi, Senior Director, Development UK at Starlight Investments, said
“The f.r.a. team did a fantastic job of understanding and translating the Lighthaus brand and the wider ambitions of the development into a clear, cohesive and highly considered wayfinding system.”
Every element has been thoughtfully integrated with the architecture and interior design, balancing functionality with a strong, refined aesthetic resulting in a scheme that has not only proven successful in guiding residents and visitors intuitively, but also enhances the overall identity of Lighthaus as a landmark waterfront destination.”
Lighthaus sits at the heart of the £5 billion Liverpool Waters masterplan, the largest urban regeneration project in the city’s history. Once complete, the wider scheme will deliver around 9,000 new homes, alongside commercial, leisure and public realm spaces, supporting Liverpool’s continued growth as a major northern city.