The cluster includes six interconnected pillars, organised into two complementary research domains. This division is based on their thematic focus, lines of research, and methodological approaches.

Pillars 1, 2, and 6 share a common emphasis on the historical, cultural, and contextual dimensions of heritage, which include the examination of archival resources and heritage within its larger spatial and cultural setting. As a result, a specialized Research Support Officer supports these pillars whose role manages research activities across this interconnected domain.

Pillars 3, 4, and 5 are distinguished by a stronger emphasis on the material, environmental, scientific, and technological dimensions of heritage research. The analysis and characterization of heritage materials, the study of connections between heritage and environmental conditions, and the application of digital and computational approaches to heritage recording and interpretation are all included in their shared methodological viewpoint. These pillars are consequently supported by a separate Research Support Officer with expertise aligned to this research domain.

This division acknowledges the different types of expertise, analytical techniques, and research infrastructure needed within each domain while reflecting the complementarity of research themes and methodology throughout the cluster. The two domains remain interconnected, allowing for interdisciplinary exchange between contextual and material approaches to heritage research.