Preserving Derbyshire's Architectural Heritage at Radbourne Hall
Dating back to the 18th century, Radbourne Hall is recognised as one of Derbyshire’s most distinguished Georgian country houses. To safeguard its architectural features, historical interiors, and future visitors, an extensive three-year refurbishment programme was initiated in 2018.
A central priority for the restoration project team was specifying a future-proof electrical infrastructure capable of protecting the estate from fire while delivering decades of low-maintenance, reliable service.
To meet these demanding conservation criteria, Wrexham Mineral Cables (WMC) supplied over 6,500 metres of black Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) sheathed Mineral Insulated Copper Clad (MICC) cable. Installed as the complete wiring system throughout the entire property, the solution provided an aesthetically sympathetic, ultra-durable electrical backbone that earned industry recognition when the project won the prestigious Historic Houses Restoration Award in 2021.
Key Project Specification Summary
- Project Location: Radbourne Hall, Derbyshire
- Property Type: 18th-Century Georgian Heritage Country House
- Cable Manufacturer: Wrexham Mineral Cables (WMC)
- Project Timeline: 3-Year Refurbishment Programme (Commenced 2018)
- Cable Volume & Spec: 6,500+ metres of Black LSZH-Sheathed MICC Cable (including 4mm²)
- Key Technical Innovation: Bespoke compact cable drum solution for narrow routing
- Award Recognition: Winner of the Historic Houses Restoration Award (2021)
The Challenge: Historic Architecture Meets Modern Fire Safety
Retrofitting modern life safety and power infrastructure into historic properties presents distinct technical, physical, and aesthetic challenges.
1. Restricted Working Spaces and Heritage Fabric Preservation
Like many 18th-century country houses, Radbourne Hall was never designed to accommodate modern electrical services. The restoration team faced extremely constrained routing options, working within tight floor voids, narrow structural risers, and delicate wall cavities without damaging period plasterwork or timber frames.
2. Sustainability and Long-Term Maintenance Reduction
Because opening up heritage walls and floors for maintenance causes permanent structural disruption, the project team required a cabling solution with an exceptional service life that would eliminate repeated building works and conserve long-term operational budgets.
3. Uncompromising Life Safety and Fire Performance
As a heritage landmark that houses invaluable cultural collections and welcomes visitors, Radbourne Hall demanded an electrical wiring system with true fire survival capabilities to prevent flame spread and maintain power to critical circuits during an emergency.
The Solution: MICC Specified as the Complete Building Wiring System
Having previously utilised MICC cable in selected areas of the estate, the refurbishment team was already familiar with its exceptional fire survival properties. Based on its proven track record, the team decided to specify MICC as the exclusive, complete wiring system across the entire hall.
Reflecting on the decision, Project Manager Mark Williamson commented:
"MICC had been installed in parts of the property previously due to its unbelievable fire performance. However, this project was looking towards sustainability and reduced maintenance costs in the future. For this reason, MICC was chosen again—but this time as the complete wiring system throughout the building."
— Mark Williamson, Project Manager
Overcoming Physical Constraints with Bespoke Packaging
To resolve the logistical difficulty of hauling standard cable reels through narrow heritage passages and tight service ducts, Wrexham Mineral Cables engineered a bespoke drum solution specifically for the 4mm² cable. This allowed installers to efficiently pull cable through restricted openings without damaging building surfaces.
Rapid On-Site Technical Support
When an incorrect cable size was accidentally supplied to the site via the supply chain, Wrexham Mineral Cables acted immediately to keep the restoration on schedule.
"Whilst we did not buy directly through Wrexham, they were on hand when an issue arose over an incorrect cable supplied. Within 24 hours their Commercial Manager was on site with the correct cable required. Excellent service from the team which continued throughout the project."
— Mark Williamson, Project Manager
Project Results and Key Benefits
- 6,500+ Metres Installed: Complete building rewiring using black LSZH-sheathed MICC cable.
- Unsurpassed Fire Safety: Inorganic construction that will not ignite, burn, or contribute to flame spread in a timber-framed historic estate.
- 50+ Year Expected Lifespan: An electrical system engineered to last half a century or more without degradation.
- Custom Engineering: Bespoke cable drum packaging supplied by WMC to solve narrow ducting and spatial constraints.
- Award-Winning Restoration: Recognised nationally with the Historic Houses Restoration Award (2021).
- Rapid Manufacturer Support: 24-hour on-site assistance and commercial support provided directly by WMC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is MICC cable ideal for rewiring Georgian and historic country houses?
Unlike conventional polymeric cables, MICC (Mineral Insulated Copper Clad) cable does not age, harden, or degrade over time. Its slim diameter and flexible profile allow it to be routed discreetly through narrow cavities, preserving historic building fabrics while providing over 50 years of low-maintenance service.
How does MICC cable assist with sustainability and budget control?
Because MICC cable has a service life matching or exceeding the building itself, property owners avoid repeated rewiring projects every 15–20 years. This reduces material waste, lowers long-term maintenance costs, and prevents invasive building works that disrupt operations and damage historic architecture.
What makes LSZH sheathed MICC cable safe for public heritage buildings?
Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) sheathing ensures that even under direct fire exposure, the cable emits no dense black smoke or corrosive halogen gases. This maintains visibility along evacuation routes and prevents acidic gas damage to delicate historical artefacts and artworks.
Protect Your Heritage Estate with Wrexham Mineral Cables
For historic properties like Radbourne Hall, where architectural preservation, visitor safety, and long-term sustainability are paramount, Wrexham Mineral Cables provides true fire survival cabling built to perform for generations.
Contact our technical sales team today to discuss bespoke cabling solutions, technical site support, or historic building specification advice.
For further information download the Radbourne Hall or alternatively Contact Us directly.