The Core, at the Eden Project

WHAT: An educational centre known as The Core, located next to the Eden project鈥檚 famous Biomes.

WHEN: The Core opened this week, after 20 months of construction work.

WHERE: The Eden Project, near St Austell, Cornwall.

HOW: The Core is designed based on how plants grow, incorporating a central trunk and canopy roof. The roof is an intricate jigsaw of curved wooden beams arranged in Fibonacci spirals, a pattern found in natural forms, such as snail shells and pinecones; 847 pieces of timber were used.

VALUE: 拢12m spent on construction.

CONTRACT: NEC option C, target cost.

WHO: Davis Langdon was the project鈥檚 QS, the client is the Eden Project and the contractor was the McAlpines (Alfred & Sir Robert).

QS VIEW: 鈥淭his project was like riding a unicycle while juggling cats. We had to throw the pricing books out the window.鈥 鈥 Nick Andrews, associate, Davis Langdon.

SAY WHAT? 鈥淚 hate exaggeration so I鈥檒l tell you the simple truth. This is the finest modern building in the world and anyone who says they can show me a better looking one is either a liar or clairvoyant鈥 鈥 Tim Smit, CEO, Eden Project.