The project is one of the major Millennium Commission schemes to form a botanical garden and education resource centre within a former china clay quarry. A sheltered micro-climate has been created since the complex is below the surrounding ground level. The construction of enormous greenhouses (biomes) has enabled large numbers of the world’s tropical and Mediterranean species to be represented within the plantings.

The engineering encompasses structural and civil design for the biomes and external works.

Civil engineering work includes extensive computerised ground modelling within a steep-sided quarry, requiring 850,000m³ of excavation and filling. Three-dimensional modelling techniques have been used to design access roads, parking areas, foul and storm drainage, slope stabilisation and visitor access routes.

Foundations, which follow the complex contours of the pit, support lightweight tubular steel Geodesic domes which are interlinked with arches. The largest of the domes is 110 metres across and 45 metres high internally. 

Lightweight ETFE foil pillows form the cladding system between the dome members with panels up to 11 metres diameter providing maximum light and UV transmission. 

Other buildings include the Gateway to Eden (ticketing and retail) and the link building (restaurants). These are steel and concrete framed structures with eco-friendly cladding including round earth walls, cedar shingles and grass roofs.