1870 Ltd - Lasswade Road, Edinburgh

Project Overview: Interior Design for 106-Bed PBSA New Build

Nelson and Long were appointed to deliver the interior concept and detailed design development for the amenity spaces of a new-build student accommodation scheme in collaboration with 1870 Ltd.

Working from RIBA Stage 3 through to Stage 5, our scope included spatial planning, detailed layouts, elevations, and FF&E specifications across all communal areas. The brief focused on creating a welcoming, multifunctional and future-facing environment that would support both everyday living and enhance the student experience.

A key priority was establishing a strong first impression through a reception area that sets the tone for the wider scheme. The design balances functionality with warmth and personality, offering space for staff/student interactions, quiet working, and informal meetings within a carefully zoned inspiring environment.

Amenity provision was designed to be flexible and multi-use. A central communal space accommodates a range of activities from study and socialising to gaming and group events - with a kitchen run positioned to facilitate hosted activities. Moveable furniture and layered lighting enhance the adaptability of the space throughout the academic year.

In addition, a dedicated Vlog room was designed to support evolving student preferences, offering a calm, acoustically considered setting for content creation, podcasting, and quiet individual work. Designed with Gen Z in mind, it provides a space that encourages creativity, focus, and self-expression.

The laundry area was also carefully considered; reimagined as a space that could offer more than function, seating and an integrated work table encourage informal connection and help transform everyday routines into opportunities for interaction.

The result is a vibrant, creative and student-centred accommodation scheme, where every space has been designed to offer comfort, autonomy, and a meaningful sense of place.