Student Accommodation Wrapping
The Brief
As part of a wider student accommodation refurbishment programme, iQ Student Accommodation in London required an upgrade to fitted panels across all 234 bedrooms. Rather than replacing existing joinery, the project focused on commercial vinyl wrapping to modernise interiors efficiently while maintaining consistency with the original design specification. The new finish needed to match an exact RAL colour selected by the design team, ensuring a cohesive appearance throughout the building.
Location:
The Solution
Fusion Surfaces proposed upgrading the existing fitted panels using commercial vinyl wrapping rather than replacing the joinery.
Working alongside Metamark, a bespoke colour was produced from the MiA range to match the specified RAL reference exactly. As a result, every bedroom achieved a consistent and contemporary neutral finish.
By retaining the original panels, the refurbishment reduced material waste and avoided the disruption associated with removal and replacement works.
The Process
One experienced installer delivered the full programme over a three-week period, applying more than 800 metres of architectural film.
Before wrapping began, surfaces were carefully prepared. Silicone was removed, panels were cleaned and detailing was completed around complex edges. Consequently, the finish achieved a precise, high-quality appearance across all 234 rooms.
As installation progressed, the client extended the scope to include shelving units and the reception desk. Close coordination ensured additional works remained within programme deadlines.
The Transformation
Following completion, the bedrooms presented a cohesive and updated interior that reflected modern student living standards.
Previously dated wood finishes were replaced with a clean, neutral aesthetic. Importantly, the student bedroom refurbishment delivered the appearance of newly installed furniture without removing existing infrastructure.
Students returned to refreshed accommodation that felt contemporary, consistent and well maintained.
Client Advantages
The refurbishment approach delivered clear commercial and operational benefits:
234 bedrooms upgraded within three weeks
Bespoke vinyl colour matched to exact RAL specification
Minimal disruption within a live refurbishment programme
Significant cost savings compared with replacement
Reduced environmental impact through reuse of existing panels
Furthermore, retaining the original joinery extended the lifecycle of the building’s interior assets.
Conclusion
The iQ Student Accommodation project demonstrates how student bedroom refurbishment can be delivered efficiently at scale using architectural vinyl wrapping.
By combining bespoke material production with careful installation planning, Fusion Surfaces modernised 234 bedrooms ahead of occupation deadlines. As a result, the client achieved a consistent, high-quality upgrade without the cost or downtime associated with traditional replacement works.
