Project overview

The construction of Barton House provides Abingdon Science Park with a new laboratory and office building, adding 25,600 sq ft of purpose-built accommodation to further future-proof the cluster of science and technology businesses established within the park.

Project value
£20,000,000
Project value
Rating
Passivhaus design
Rating
eco-friendly and modern en-suite bedrooms
72
eco-friendly and modern en-suite bedrooms
RIBA Stage
2
RIBA Stage
Heritage Consultants
Bidwells
Heritage Consultants
5 national construction awards
5 Awards
5 national construction awards

The new development has capacity to accommodate up to four tenants across two floors and boasts communal areas and café space to encourage collaboration.

Flexibility was a key driver in the design of the building, and the structural grids, floor loadings, servicing, and ceiling heights have been considered to provide highly adaptable space in the long term. The design of the building also increases open space and light, which is fundamental to modern working environments and talent retention. A BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ also contributes to the structure’s sustainable design and construction.

Maxine Bampton, Health and Safety Officer and Facilities Manager for Akamis Bio Ltd

“We have been very fortunate to have had SDC as the contractors working on Barton House which is next to our building. Even before planning permission was finalised their communication on planned events was in place. This enabled us to raise our concerns to which they were very reactive, supportive, and resolved our problems.
An example was the supply and hook up of a generator to power our critical equipment throughout a planned power outage. Site noise and vibration has been kept to a minimum. The large amount of delivery trucks and heavy plant equipment has been very well managed, and we have had no issues with access to our building. The roads have been kept clean and the site always looks tidy. Considering the number of staff working on site it has not had too much impact on the number of extra personal vehicles being parked. The site health and safety has been impressive to see for wearing of PPE , working at height and traffic management.”

One of the project’s noteworthy achievements is its BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent,’ reflecting its commitment to high environmental standards and sustainable construction practices.

In addition, the scheme achieved success at the RIBA East Awards, CFCI Awards, as well as picking up the David Mackay Award for Engineering and Sustainability.
This facility stands as a testament to cutting-edge engineering and thoughtful design, providing a conducive environment for groundbreaking research and collaboration in the field of civil engineering.

Project team

Adam Knaggs

Adam Knaggs

Managing Director

Adam joined SDC in 1995 as a Site Engineer. His position as Managing Director involves contributing to the day-to-day running of the business, setting the strategy for projects, and supporting all departments. Adam’s active approach to problem solving has been a defining trait of his career, as recognised by the Institution of Civil Engineers who honoured him with their Site Engineer of the Year Award 1999, in which he was praised for designing his own shuttering system.

Andrew Shiner

Andrew Shiner

Director

Andy joined SDC as a Site Agent and rose through the ranks to Project Director, before taking on his current role as Board Director in 2020. The experience he gained in all three professions will undoubtedly assist him in leading this scheme. On a previous project for NIAB in Cambridge, Andy’s team were responsible for SDC’s highest Considerate Constructors’ score to date (90 out of 100) and a Runner’s Up Prize at the CCS National Awards in 2019.

Andrew Mitchell

Andrew Mitchell

Director

Andrew is a senior member of staff who holds the role of Director/Company Secretary. He joined SDC in 1994, and had therefore been with the company for almost thirty years. He plays a key role in ensuring that board procedures are both followed and regularly reviewed. The Chairman and Board Directors will look to the Company Secretary for guidance as to what their responsibilities are under the rules and regulations to which they are subject, and on how these responsibilities should be discharged.

Francis Shiner

Francis Shiner

Chairman

Since joining the company in 1983, Francis has assumed various roles, from Chief Surveyor to managing Director, ultimately assuming the position of Chairman in 2021.

Dan Changer

Dan Changer

Director

Dan studied Architecture at the University of Cambridge and worked as a chartered Architect before joining SDC in 2010. Joining as a Design Coordinator, Dan then opted to work as a Contracts Manager, receiving a promotion to Project Manager before his appointment to the Board of Directors in 2020. His duties and responsibilities include setting the overall strategy for the project, as well as leading the project team and ensuring the scheme is delivered within the client’s time, quality and budget constraints. Dan’s client-focused attitude and collaborative problem-solving approach will be crucial to the scheme’s successful delivery.