The design for the National Trust's visitor facilities in this area of Outstanding Natural Beauty blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape of Langdon Cliffs, an area of terraced grass downland designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The visitor centre sits on the protected lowest terrace, overlooking the town, the harbour and Dover Castle. The low wooden structure with its grass roof is highly energy efficient. The Gateway building houses a restaurant and an information centre on the work of the National Trust, as well as details of local archaeology, history and landscape. The centre’s barn-like form with its oversailing roof was further developed a few years later in another commission for the National Trust, at Sutton Hoo.