Mount Lighting supplied the architectural lighting and Casambi wireless lighting controls for the restoration of Redhills Durham Miners Hall, combining contemporary lighting with the character of this important historic building.
Working with main contractor Meldrum Group, our M-Line linear LED lighting system was adapted across both restored and newly created spaces, supported by a smart Casambi control system designed around the building’s changing requirements.
Redhills Durham Miners Hall has stood at the heart of County Durham’s mining heritage since opening in 1915. The restoration and extension of the historic building has transformed Redhills into a renewed centre for culture, heritage and education while protecting the architectural character that makes the building so significant.
Mount Lighting was brought into the project by Meldrum Group to provide a lighting solution capable of working across very different areas of the building. The scheme needed to complement the original architecture while providing the performance, flexibility and control expected from a modern public building.
Our M-Line linear LED lighting formed a key part of the scheme. Rather than applying one standard configuration throughout, M-Line was adapted to suit the individual spaces.
Within the historic interiors, bespoke rectangular suspended configurations create a contemporary lighting feature while sitting comfortably alongside original details including decorative cornicing and tall arched windows. Within the newer areas of the building, longer linear arrangements create a cleaner architectural aesthetic suited to the modern extension.
This flexibility allowed a consistent lighting language to run through the project without asking the architecture to conform to the lighting.
The scheme was also designed around Casambi wireless lighting controls. The controls enable different areas of the building to be managed independently, while daylight linked functionality allows artificial lighting levels to be reduced when sufficient natural daylight is available.
With large areas of glazing bringing daylight into the new spaces, this gives Redhills greater control over how and when its lighting is used and supports the wider focus on energy efficiency within the refurbishment.
The Casambi element became one of the most technically demanding parts of the project. Commissioning was undertaken in phases as different areas became available, requiring close coordination between our team, Meldrum Group and the wider project team.
Our involvement therefore extended beyond the initial lighting design and supply. We provided technical support throughout the project and carried out the Casambi commissioning to ensure the completed lighting and control system operated as intended.
Our M-Line linear LED system was used throughout Redhills in a variety of lengths and configurations, providing a common lighting aesthetic across both the historic building and contemporary extension.
Finished in white with a warm 3000K colour temperature, the suspended linear lighting complements the light interior finishes while providing the functional illumination required across meeting, community and multifunctional spaces.
The adaptability of M-Line allowed the lighting to respond to the architecture rather than imposing a standard arrangement throughout the building.
Within the historic areas of Redhills, M-Line was configured into large suspended rectangular forms.
The bespoke linear lighting follows the proportions of the rooms and introduces a contemporary element without detracting from original features such as the decorative cornicing, high ceilings and arched windows.
Using the same M-Line system in bespoke configurations also helped maintain continuity with the more contemporary lighting arrangements elsewhere in the refurbishment.
Direct and indirect versions of M-Line were incorporated into the scheme to introduce another layer of illumination.
Alongside providing functional downward light, the indirect output illuminates the ceiling above, helping to soften the appearance of the linear luminaires and increase the sense of light within the taller architectural spaces.
This is particularly effective within the historic rooms, where the illuminated ceiling allows the architectural detailing to remain visible rather than being lost above the lighting installation.
Casambi wireless lighting controls provide flexible management of the lighting throughout Redhills without relying on a conventional hardwired control infrastructure.
The system was configured around the different uses and requirements of the building, giving Redhills greater flexibility over its lighting as spaces transition between meetings, events, educational activities and other uses.
Daylight linked control also allows lighting output to respond to the natural light entering the building, helping reduce unnecessary energy consumption.
The scale and complexity of the Casambi system made commissioning an important part of Mount Lighting’s involvement.
Commissioning was completed across different areas and phases of the project, with our technical team working alongside Meldrum Group and the wider project team to configure, test and refine the system ahead of handover.
This continued support helped ensure that the lighting controls worked around the way the building would actually be used rather than simply completing the project at the point of product supply.
The completed lighting scheme demonstrates how architectural linear lighting and wireless lighting controls can be introduced sensitively within a heritage refurbishment while still delivering the flexibility expected from a modern building.
M-Line provided the adaptability needed to create very different lighting arrangements from one core system. Bespoke rectangular luminaires sit comfortably within the restored historic rooms, while longer linear configurations create a distinctly contemporary treatment within the newer spaces.
Casambi adds another level of flexibility behind the scenes. The complex control system was commissioned to accommodate the different spaces, available daylight and changing ways in which Redhills will be used.
Close collaboration throughout the project was particularly important. From developing the lighting solution and providing technical support to phased Casambi commissioning and final handover, our involvement extended beyond simply supplying the luminaires.
The result is a lighting scheme that respects the past while supporting the building’s new purpose. A fitting approach for Redhills itself, which has been restored to continue its role at the heart of County Durham’s communities.
PHOTO CREDITS: Redhills
