Project overview

Located at the Harwell Campus, Didcot, Oxfordshire, one of the UK’s leading science and innovation campuses, and home to over 200 global organisations this latest facility provides a mix of new science and technology workspace: enabling Harwell to continue their dedication to innovation, technology and research.

Project value
£50,000,000
Project value
BREEAM rating
‘Excellent
BREEAM rating
Of office and wet or dry laboratory space
105,000 sqft
Of office and wet or dry laboratory space
Employees benefited
28,000
Employees benefited
(British land, Hawkins Brown)
2 project partners
(British land, Hawkins Brown)
5 national construction awards
5 Awards
5 national construction awards

The brief for Project Zeta was to create a flexible-use timber frame building which enhances Harwell Campus’ esteemed international reputation.

The placement, size and orientation of the openings were carefully considered to ensure the space is daylit, providing views and controlling solar gain: contributing positively to the character of the Campus. Moreover, a central focus of the project was delivering Harwell’s vision of sustainability, with a design feature of Biodiverse Green Roof ensuring the building sits harmoniously with the leafy environment of young and mature trees that surrounds it. Zeta, therefore, was designed to Net Zero Carbon Building standards, with a focus on maximising the energy efficiency of the building fabric whilst minimising its embodied carbon.

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With 1,974m2 of available space (plus upper floors) it was important that the floor layout accommodates for varying occupier requirements.

The design provided a workable layout and framework for all areas for any future fit out by Harwell or it’s Tenants at day one. The creation of appealing landscaped setting for the building was also essential, echoing the aesthetics of its surrounding context and proximity to neighbouring buildings.

Project team

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.

Jonathan Richardson

Jonathan Richardson

Director

Jonathan has extensive knowledge and experience of building services design, installations and management thereof. As a qualified Building Services Engineer, Jonathan spent his earlier career working for a major MEP sub-contractor. His diverse range of project experience means he has proven to be a great addition to the SDC team, and this has led to his recent promotion to M&E Director. He oversees a team of electrical and mechanical project managers, estimators, quantity surveyors, commissioning and MEP design managers.

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.