Eden Project, Cornwall: design, development and construction

This paper describes the civil and structural engineering design and construction of the Eden Project since early inception in April 1995. Extensive remodelling of a china clay pit enabled the construction of several new buildings, including a visitors’ centre, two climatically-controlled greenhouses and a restaurant/plant storage link building. The early design considerations for the large greenhouses are outlined and principal design techniques explained. The design philosophy for the foundations, superstructure and cladding envelope is discussed. Construction is now complete; the site was opened in March 2001, one month before the completion date agreed originally, despite some of the wettest weather ever recorded. The construction works were delivered within the agreed budget of £58m.

A. C. Jones, BSc (Eng), CEng, FIStructE D. Hamilton, BSc, CEng, MIStructE M. Purvis, HNC, Civil Engineering
M. Jones, IEng, MICE All Anthony Hunt Associates