Inland Revenue Centre Amenity Building, Nottingham

The Inland Revenue Centre Amenity Building was constructed between 1993 and 1994 to designs by Michael Hopkins & Partners, as part of the wider Inland Revenue Centre complex. This building, of group value, is a steel, concrete and glass structure topped with a tented fabric roof supported by steel masts.

The building has a largely rectangular plan, but with curved sides. It is entered from its southern end, which opens onto the central boulevard that runs through the Inland Revenue site. The most prominent feature is the tensile fabric roof, which is supported by steel masts; the central section of this tented roof is suspended from four masts, two at each end, while lower sections of tented roof cover the sides of the building. Glazing punctuates the roof structure.

The building’s steel-framed glazed walls sit above concrete floors; the first-floor structure is largely exposed and overhangs the ground floor, supported on piloti at intervals. The ground floor elevations to the sides are mostly solid with high-level windows, while the first floor is predominantly glazed. A projecting, glazed entrance lobby with rotating doors provides the main entrance on the southern elevation. Flights of stairs on each side elevation offer direct access to the first floors.

Inside, the main entrance leads to a reception area, beyond which is a full-height central games court, open to the roof. This court contains a sprung timber floor and glazed barriers, surrounded by walkways. Twin stairs at the reception end provide access to the first-floor walkways. Ground floor space is occupied by service rooms and facilities, with a larger space at the rear originally used as a creche. The first floor is enclosed with glazing, and the steel masts supporting the roof are visible. Kitchen and staff restaurant facilities, alongside open communal areas, are also located on the first floor.