Thorn and Zumtobel light the future of learning at Coláiste na Mí
Posted by: electime 1st September 2026
Thorn and Zumtobel, lighting brands of the Zumtobel Group, have delivered a comprehensive lighting scheme across the evolving Coláiste na Mí Education Campus. Supporting a multi-phase development, the solution combines performance, efficiency and design flexibility to enhance learning environments, social spaces and specialist facilities.
Coláiste na Mí forms part of the wider Johnstown Education Campus in Navan, a growing educational hub designed to support a rapidly expanding student population. Since opening in 2013, the school has evolved significantly, with ongoing development phases increasing capacity and enhancing facilities to meet future demand.
Working alongside Hayes Higgins Partnership and MDE Installations, Thorn and Zumtobel have supported multiple stages of the campus development, delivering a cohesive lighting strategy across teaching spaces, social areas and external environments. The project also includes the completed St Mary’s Special School, alongside new and refurbished buildings across the campus, with further phases currently under construction.
A brief shaped by flexibility and educational standards
The lighting design needed to respond to a diverse and evolving campus, supporting a wide range of learning environments while meeting strict Department of Education requirements. From classrooms and specialist teaching areas to circulation routes and outdoor spaces, the scheme required consistency in performance alongside flexibility for future expansion.
A key driver was the ability to deliver a complete lighting solution through a single provider, ensuring compatibility across internal and external applications while maintaining programme efficiency and cost control.
Developing a cohesive campus lighting approach
A coordinated mix of Thorn and Zumtobel luminaires was specified to meet the functional and visual requirements of each space while maintaining a unified lighting language across the campus.
In classrooms, Thorn College luminaires provide uniform, low-glare illumination designed to support concentration and visual comfort throughout the school day. Their high efficiency and long service life also contribute to reduced energy consumption and maintenance requirements.
Circulation areas and shared spaces are supported by a combination of linear and compact luminaires, including Novaline and Katona, delivering consistent light levels while guiding movement across the building.
Philip Dewey, Key Account Manager at Zumtobel Group, explains one of the key strengths of this project was the ability of Thorn and Zumtobel to provide a complete lighting solution across the entire campus. By drawing on the strengths of both brands, we were able to offer the right product for each application, ensuring consistency in quality, performance, and design throughout the development.
From the car parks and external areas through to classrooms, circulation spaces, multipurpose rooms, and back-of-house facilities, each space had its own unique requirements. Working closely with the design team at Michael Stapleton of Hayes Higgins Partnership, we developed a lighting scheme that was not only functional and energy-efficient but also complemented the architectural vision for the building.
The completed project demonstrates how the combined expertise and product portfolios of Thorn and Zumtobel can deliver a cohesive lighting solution across an entire campus, creating comfortable, welcoming, and effective spaces for students, staff, and visitors alike.
Supporting a positive learning environment
Throughout the campus, the lighting scheme has been designed to enhance both functionality and wellbeing. Carefully selected colour temperatures support different activities, with balanced illumination improving visibility, reducing eye strain and creating comfortable learning environments for students and staff.
The use of the latest LED technology contributes to lower energy consumption, supporting the school’s operational sustainability while ensuring long-term performance.
A collaborative approach across multiple phases
Delivering a consistent lighting strategy across a developing campus required close collaboration between all stakeholders. Working alongside Hayes Higgins Partnership and MDE Installations, the Thorn and Zumtobel team ensured that each phase aligned with the overall design intent while accommodating evolving requirements.
Michael Stapleton, Senior Engineer, Hayes Higgins Partnership, comments:
“This project required a coordinated lighting approach across multiple buildings and phases, with a strong focus on meeting Department of Education standards. Thorn and Zumtobel provided a reliable and well-considered solution that met performance requirements while allowing flexibility as the campus continues to develop. Their collaborative approach and responsiveness throughout the design and delivery stages helped ensure a smooth outcome. Special thanks to Philip Dewey for his invaluable technical support and assistance throughout the project, which was greatly appreciated.
A future-ready campus lighting solution
The completed and ongoing works at Coláiste na Mí demonstrate how lighting can support both immediate needs and long-term development. With multiple buildings now complete, including Blocks A–D, St. Martha’s Building and St Mary’s Special School, and further phases in progress i.e. Sion House, the campus continues to evolve with a lighting solution that is flexible, efficient and consistent.
By combining the strengths of Thorn and Zumtobel, the project delivers a lighting scheme that enhances the learning environment, supports campus-wide cohesion and is ready to adapt to future growth.
For more information about the respective products, please visit www.thornlighting.co.uk or www.zumtobel.co.uk
Thorn
College 2
Novaline
Aquaforce Pro
Piazza II
Cetus 3
Katona
Chalice
Voyager Twin Spot
Eyekon
Isaro Pro
Areaflood Pro 2
Zumtobel
SLOTLIGHT Round
SLOTLIGHT Infinity
CRAFT II
Ondaria
