The building is organised around a central courtyard. A system of retractable fabric screens for sun, rain and acoustics help to control microclimates in this space. There is an undulating roofscape ("Living Roof") that formally unifies the institute and helps pull warm air out of the building. It provides a natural insulation layer, keeping interior temperatures about ten degrees cooler, and is landscaped with native plant species that are drought resistant. Rainwater is partially absorbed in a special layer for the plants and the rest (some 3.6 million gallons per annum) is collected and used to flush toilets. The roof extends beyond the perimeter walls and becomes a glass canopy providing protection from the elements and generating energy through photovoltaic cells in the glass. Skylights allow natural light and ventilation into the exhibit space below.

Care was taken with the selection of materials for the building: for example: 90% of all demolition materials from the previous buildings was recycled and 68% of insulation came from recycled denim which is safer, holds more heat and absorbs sound better than spun fibreglass insulation. A radiant heat system of hot water pipes embedded in the floor also reduces the building's energy needs by some ten per cent annually in comparison to an air-forced system.