The new CUC (Combined University in Cornwall) RIM Building provides a purpose-built higher education centre with IT suite, classrooms and a 90-seat lecture theatre. The building is located on an awkward site amongst an outcrop of trees, with a steep hill and a redundant quarry to the rear of the building. The restraints of the foot print of the building resulted in a rather interesting form that fits the awkward site conditions.

The form of the building is divided into three main parts; the wedge-shaped lecture theatre, the entrance rotunda and the classroom block. Each play an important role in orientating the building to suit the site, and provide an interesting appearance which simultaneously tries to provide a subdued building to suite the planners requirements, but with visual impact to suit the client.

The external appearance of the building sits well within the group of trees, and provides pleasant views from the classrooms looking out across the valley towards the obelisk on top of Kit Hill.

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