The site was originally part of Coláiste Iosagán on the edge of Ballyvourney. It is surrounded by trees and is spatially like a large outdoor room. The scheme proposes that access is through the existing formal entrance to the overall property, leading to a driveway which follows the line of poplar trees to the parking area. This is located on the northern side of the site, and is contained by a wall of cypress trees and the proposed building.

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The centre is a two storey structure. Its northern side is wall-like in appearance, while its southern side is a framed structure with an over sailing roof which embraces a large outdoor veranda. The main seminar room is expressed as a district cubic volume in the configuration. The majority of the spaces to the south are fully glazed to establish a strong visual connection with the beautiful setting.

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The building is entered from the car park through a large, double-height glazed screen leading to the foyer/social area, with adjacent reception and administration areas. A multi-purpose heritage/exhibition space adjoins the foyer and is open to the visiting public. The majority of the accommodation is organised linearly along a top-lit atrium to the west - IT room and offices at ground-floor level, and research bases at first-floor level. The main staircase is a freestanding element in the entrance hall, leading to an upper foyer. The main seminar room is located at first-floor level, and has a small recording studio adjoining it. The remainder of this floor comprises a series of meeting rooms/research bases, with the boardroom/library expressed as a particular volume on the northern elevation.

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The building is conceived of as a pavilion, and the materials reinforce that primary concept. It is clad in timber panels to create a sense of lightness.