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 Inland Revenue Centre 
Location:  Nottingham, UK
System:  Solar chimney stack-induced cross-ventilation 
Architect:  Michael Hopkins & Partners 
Engineer: Ove Arup & Partners 
Completion:  1994 

Project Description: Low-rise L-shape buildings with corner staircase towers. The main strategies are the maximization of daylight and engineered natural ventilation. 

Cross Section Diagram Showing Ventilation Strategies 

1. Fresh air is drawn through underfloor duct and grill which can be mechanically-induced. 

2. Cross ventilation in office area (from open windows). 

3. Warm air exhaust through the door, connected to the stair tower. Solar gain in the tower increases thermal buoyancy, warm air is drawn up through the tower by stack effect.

4. Operable tower roof moves up and down to control the rate of air flow. 

5. On the top floor, warm air is exhausted at the roof ridge.

Section Diagram Showing Façade Strategies 

1. Integrated lightshelf shades space in the perimeter zone and reflects light into the space. 

2. Light-colored ceiling improves reflectance of daylight High ceiling (3.2 m) helps with thermal stratification. Exposed concrete soffit acts as thermal mass, absorbing daytime heat gain. 

3. Triple glazing with between-pane adjustable blinds 

4. Balcony and shading devices. 

5. Fresh-air inlet with occupant-controlled fans allow windows to be closed in winter or to protect outside noise from entering the space. 

6. External brick piers provide lateral solar shading.

Reference 

The Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). 1997. Natural ventilation in non-domestic buildings: CIBSE applications manual AM10: 1997. London: Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers.

Willmert, T. 2001. "The return of natural ventilation." Architectural Record 189(6): 137-146.


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