PUPILS in East and West Lothian have started the academic year in new learning environments designed by consultancy Space Zero.
The company provided interior design services and fitted furniture for three new primary schools: Craighall and Blindwells in East Lothian, and Hawkhill in West Lothian.
While Craighall and Blindwells share the same architectural layout, Space Zero revealed it created ‘distinctive’ interiors that reflect their communities using unique colour palettes and environmental graphics.
At Craighall, the design celebrates the area’s mining heritage and surrounding landscape through rocks, coal seams, sandstone buildings, and the heather-covered hills, while Blindwells took inspiration from its coastal setting of waves, tides, and dunes.
Space Zero also provided the fitted furniture, fixtures, and equipment, including teaching walls, cupboards, and cloakrooms.
Wayne Taylor, founder and CEO of Space Zero, said, “Our purpose has always been to rethink the possibilities of education environments, so that every learner has the best chance to flourish. Delivering these projects for the start of term is a significant collective achievement, and we are proud that thousands of students will walk into spaces designed to support their growth and potential from the very beginning.
“By coordinating closely with contractors, architects and supply partners, Space Zero has delivered a diverse pipeline of projects on time and on budget, ensuring thousands of children and young people began the new term in inspiring environments.”
The projects form part of a wider programme of 13 schools completed across England, Scotland, and Wales this summer, together providing new and refurbished environments for more than 9,000 students.
Wayne added, “Every project we deliver is about people: empowering teachers with the tools to inspire, giving pupils spaces where they feel safe and motivated, and reassuring parents that their children are getting the best possible start. Our role is to listen, collaborate and create environments that honour that trust. Whether it’s a specialist college or a local primary, our commitment is the same: to design schools that enable learning, nurture wellbeing, and serve communities for generations to come.”
