The building is composed of stacked, cantilevered concrete floor slabs held apart by stone piers. Where these slabs slip apart, large volumes are created, including the 3 story atrium at the heart of the building into which the welded steel staircase springs. Appearing as continuous flowing forms of plate steel, the sculptural steel staircase moves vertically and horizontally like falling ribbons, occupying the volume without compromising the sense of space. From its central location, the staircase is afforded with views through to the library and out to the lake alongside which the building sits.

Assembled from sections welded in County Down by Environmental Fabrications, the structural skeleton between the steel ribbons is clad with oak treads, risers and soffits. Cloverleaf section oak handrails complete the composition, the material seeming warm to the touch in contrast with the cold steel and concrete."