Stories

There are many threads that run through our work linking one project with another. Some of these are obvious, but others are less so. These stories are written by the project architects and so provide an insight into the challenges, excitement, and opportunities we experience daily.

Making HayThe following story describes the process of researching and restoring the critically at-risk Jacobean manor house, medieval keep and historic gateway at Hay Castle.
Read more
Living in the City : More housing in London's square mile?Gavin Miller's takeaways from a recent New London Architecture Breakfast talk on Adaptive re-use, stranded assets and housing delivery at The London Centre
Read more
Diversification of pupil accommodation: optimising the out-of-term offer through intelligent spatial planning and energy strategiesWith many schools returning to some level of normality following the pandemic the pressures associated with soaring energy prices, inflation and possible changes to charitable status means that there is rising pressure to diversify income streams and make best use of existing and proposed assets. Jamie Lilley offers suggestions making school premises work harder and earn more income.
Read more
Low Carbon Local Materials - ResearchAn internal research project, which explores low carbon materials
Read more
Heritage Techniques Research - Lincoln's Inn Spiral Stone StairA short story describing the process of reworking the existing stone spiral staircase to connect to the new library extension
Read more
Sponge Cities ResearchAn internal research project, which explores sponge cities and the consequences of climate change in cities across the world.
Read more
Refurbishment Architect of the Year 2020A summary of MICAs projects which won Refurbishment Architect of the Year 2020
Read more
The Workplace (R)Evolution ResearchA recent internal research project, which explores whether office typologies of the past can help to inform wiser decisions when designing for the future?
Read more
Heritage Techniques Research - Corpus Christi College BastionA short story describing the process of researching and restoring the medieval bastion.
Read more
Heritage Techniques Research - Fairfield Foyer ColumnsA short story describing the process of researching and restoring the foyer columns in the Fairfield Halls.
Read more
MICA’s approach and commitments to sustainable design
Read more
De-centre to Re-centre?Flexing the 21st Century City in Light of Covid: MICA's commentary on the impact of coronavirus pandemic, and the effect it will have on urban planning and 21st Century city living.
Read more
'To err is human...'London is home to outstanding Georgian and Victorian architecture and our historic hospitals, such as St Thomas’ opposite the Palace of Westminster, are valued as part of the capital’s celebrated landmarks. Medical education has been established at St Thomas’ since the 16th century and the Hospital was once even considered a place for ‘incurables’. Florence Nightingale, with architect Henry Currey, transformed the architecture of healthcare at St Thomas’.
Read more
Upfront + ActiveUpfront + Active describes a selection of our work transforming underused urban contexts into vibrant places for leisure and retail. Creating successful retail and leisure spaces requires careful design, with a consideration of context, scale and quantum together with an understanding of retail trends and tenant’s requirements.
Read more
Growth Lines“Growth Lines” reveals studies of extensive London-wide sites where transport can be integrated into urban areas to accommodate growth.
Read more
Living + LearningLiving + Learning describes a selection of our work in academic and collegiate contexts over the past 25 years.
Read more
Working with 20th Century BuildingsReviving some of the best architecture of the previous generation is revealing and rewarding.  We have long appreciated the environmental imperative, commercial benefit and architectural riches to be found in re-using, re-furbishing and adding to existing 20th Century architecture of all shapes and sizes.  
Read more
Big DigsOur team brings a great deal of past and current project experience on subterranean and concealed buildings. We understand that these buildings often need to be invisible, carefully designed and constructed, and fully functional for day-to-day use. Through innovation we have also found that building underground can be a virtue providing opportunities for light-filled special spaces that endure, function well, and become an attraction to the occupants. 
Read more
Working in OxfordThe city of Oxford is dense with outstanding buildings that represent a rich architectural heritage dating back to the 11C. In the latter 20C, the likes of Powell + Moya, Alison + Peter Smithson and Ahrends Burton + Koralek lent their expertise to the provision of new accommodation for the University in built forms that broke with those of the past.
Read more
Working with ConcreteThrough our work with new and existing buildings, we have often encountered concrete as a primary building material. Concrete is selected for use in buildings for different reasons and we’ve selected two very different projects to share how and why concrete can be used as more than just a structural material.
Read more
Throwing BricksThe Keble team visited Northcot Brick factory in Blockley, Gloucestershire with the steering group from Keble College and Peter Jones from Bam Construction.
Read more
Designing for CamdenSince 1971 MICA Architects (and Rick Mather Architects) have developed and worked on a series of high quality and award winning projects within the London Borough of Camden.
Read more
Menu

We use Cookies on our website, by using micaarchitects.com you agree and accept our Privacy Policy.