The brief from the University called for a durable and attractive building that functions in line with Environmentally Sustainable Design principles. Specifically they required laboratory spaces (wet, culture and dry labs, temperature controlled rooms, instrument rooms), support facilities for staff and students (postgraduate and academic offices, meeting areas, technician spaces) as well as spaces for supporting marine research site work (dive store, showers, workshop, courtyard).

The new 816m² state-of-the-art facility includes a fully functional research laboratory constructed to PC-2 standards, two wet lab facilities with access to both raw and filtered flow-through seawater, office space for up to 30 VUCEL research students and staff, and a substantial staging area for coastal and sub-tidal research.

The project has a 100-year design life which means that the strength and durability aspects of the project were at the forefront of consideration. Permanent materials included the use of zinc and natural stone as external cladding to a marine-grade high strength concrete and steel building structure.

One of the features of the project not normally encountered is a salt water reticulation system. Many of the laboratory processes require the use of both natural and filtered saltwater and a complex system was installed to provide adequate supplies of both water types. Additionally, waste seawater is used, through a heat exchanger, to provide coolant to the building ventilation system.