The ‘visitor improvement project’ at Rievaulx Abbey, for English Heritage, saw the complete remodelling and extension to the existing visitor reception and museum facilities within the highly significant and historic context of the adjacent Abbey. The challenge of budget constraints and site limitations provided an opportunity to retain and adapt parts of the timber structure of the old visitor centre whilst creating an elegant contemporary new entrance and central café area. A new building has been inserted between two existing structures, creating a core area for an entrance foyer, cafe and shop, as well as improving circulation.