Fettes College

Fettes College is one of the UK’s most prestigious independent schools, housed in a stunning Grade A listed building in Edinburgh. The college required a significant upgrade to its lighting infrastructure to improve energy efficiency and functionality, but all work had to be sensitive to the historic architecture.

The existing “legacy” lighting in the high-traffic corridors and the main Reception was dated, energy-intensive, and lacked the flexibility required for a modern educational environment. Furthermore, the work had to be completed within the strict window of the Easter break to ensure zero disruption to students and staff.

Intelligent Design & Rapid Deployment

Our Electrical teams implemented a multi-zone lighting overhaul, expertly designed in partnership with Zumtobel Lighting.

The Reception: Intelligence & Flexibility

For the heart of the college, we installed high-tech DALI-controlled track lighting.

• The Benefit: DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) allows for precision control. The Reception team can now dim or adjust specific zones of light to suit different events or times of day, providing a flexible atmosphere that wasn’t possible with the old system.
• Aesthetic: The track lighting was chosen to complement the high ceilings and architectural details of the historic building.

The Concert Hall: External Excellence

The external area of The Concert Hall received a brand-new lighting scheme. This was designed not just for safety and wayfinding, but to highlight the iconic stonework and facade of the building after dark, ensuring the campus looks as prestigious at night as it does during the day.

Internal Corridors: Efficiency at Scale

A major portion of the project focused on the internal hallways. We replaced “severely un-energy efficient” legacy units with modern, high-output LED panels.

• The Outcome: These areas are now brighter and safer, with the clean, white light of the LEDs significantly improving the visual environment compared to the old yellowing fluorescent tubes.

Ready for the New Term

By working efficiently throughout the holiday period, the HF team delivered the full installation on time and on budget.

• Sustainability: The switch to LED and DALI controls has drastically reduced the college’s energy consumption and carbon footprint.
• Maintenance: With long-life LED technology, the college has eliminated the constant need for “blown” tube replacements in high-traffic corridors.
• Modern Functionality: The DALI integration provides the college with commercial-grade control over their lighting environment.

“Working on a site as iconic as Fettes College requires a specific level of care and technical expertise. We are proud to have delivered a system that respects the college’s heritage while providing 21st-century efficiency.”
Niven Baillie, Electrical Director, HF Mechanical & Electrical