Student Accommodation, Edinburgh
The Brief
A large, nationwide student accommodation provider in Edinburgh tasked Fusion Surfaces with refreshing 213 bedrooms ahead of the new academic year. The spaces featured bold red floor-to-ceiling wall panels and wardrobe doors, which no longer matched the aesthetic direction of the updated scheme. Full removal and replacement of the panels risked delays, additional trades (including plastering), and significant cost. Instead, they chose vinyl wrapping as a low-disruption solution – provided the finish and execution could meet their expectations.
The Solution
Earlier in the year, we carried out a trial wrap in one of the bedrooms to demonstrate both the product and finish. The client approved a clay, soft-matte film from the Metamark MiA range, which brought a much calmer, more neutral tone to the space.
We were contracted to wrap both the wardrobe doors and floor-to-ceiling wall panelling in all 213 bedrooms. With a hard deadline before student move-in, communication and collaboration with other trades on-site was critical to success.
The Process
Working over the course of three weeks, we maintained regular contact with both the fit-out contractor and the accommodation provider to ensure our workflow aligned with the wider refurbishment schedule.
Careful surface prep was carried out, particularly on panels showing wear or damage, to ensure a smooth, durable result. A team of installers worked in rotation to deliver high coverage without compromising on finish.
By the end of the programme, we had installed more than 1,200 metres of film across all bedrooms – on time and to spec.
The Transformation
The change in visual tone was immediate. The original bright red panels were replaced with a muted, calming clay finish that better suited the neutral palette of the refurbishment. The wrapped panels looked and felt new, while preserving the original structure and avoiding unnecessary waste. This was a perfect example of how vinyl wrapping can deliver design impact quickly, cleanly, and within the tight timelines typical of the student housing sector.
Client Advantages
- Refreshed 213 rooms without removing existing panels
- Over 1,200m of vinyl installed across wardrobes and walls
- All works completed within a 3-week deadline
- Avoided delays, mess, and additional trades
- Finish approved in advance via trial wrap
