Norwich Sports Village Listed

Built between 1987 and 1991, the sports complex is the only example in Britain of work by celebrated Swiss engineer Heinz Isler.
 
It is protected for its exceptional “inverted membrane” concrete shells. These distinctive features, inspired by the shape of hanging cloths, are the only example of free-form shell design in Britain.

Concrete shells span vast interior spaces using minimal materials, providing excellent acoustic and thermal properties. Concrete shell construction was introduced in Britain in the late 1930s but has always been rare. Norwich Sports Village is one of only three shell structures built in England since the 1970s.

The listing covers the concrete shells forming the Sports Hall, former Skating Rink and Swimming Pool. These structures remain complete and unaltered since construction. The complex continues to operate as an active sports facility.

Heinz Isler designed around 1,000 shell structures across Europe. Four of his buildings in Switzerland are protected by listing.

Heinz Isler (1926-2009) was born in Zollikon near Zurich, Switzerland. As an engineering student he made a special study of reinforced concrete shells and this was to become his life’s work. Isler was a prolific designer, with around 1,000 of his shells constructed.