Crean UK completes a major renovation and extension within one of London’s historic legal estates

Architect MICA’s latest work at Lincoln’s Inn concludes its six-year masterplan for the historic legal campus, which together represents the most significant development on the estate for 150 years.

The Great Hall and Library Project sees the refurbishment of that Grade-II*-listed building, and the addition of significant floor space through excavation of an adjacent site, along with the replacement of an existing “lower quality” building by a more sensitive and efficient extension to the library’s facilities.

Since preparing the masterplan in 2014, the practice has also refurbished the Grade-I-listed Old Hall and No.15 New Square, as part of an effort to improve provision of education, catering, library and administrative facilities.

Designed by Philip Hardwick and completed by his son in 1845, the Great Hall is the heart of Lincoln’s Inn. MICA’s restoration included the removal of recent poor-quality alterations, and the restoration many of the building’s heritage features, including the reinstatement of the original ceremonial entrance.

Within the hall, a new timber floor with underfloor heating has been installed, a timber wainscotting that had been damaged by the installation of radiators has been repaired.