Project overview
Forming part of the John Radcliffe Hospital complex in Oxford, these two rectangular forms provide purpose-built facilities for the Wolfson Centre for the Prevention of Stroke and Dementia (CPSD), as well as research space for the Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (WIN).
The building boasts the UK’s first dedicated centre for prevention of stroke and dementia research and has been designed to maintain the University of Oxford’s position as a world leader in medical research and teaching.
Within the building, the primary spaces are organised on either side of a circulation spine that incorporates the stairs, lift, shared facilities, amenities, and meeting rooms. Horizontal circulation is terminated at both ends by a glazed wall boasting far-reaching views of the adjacent conservation area.
The layout, which is representative of the collaborative relationship between the two departments that are housed within the new building, can accommodate up to 180 research staff over its 2000 sq.m of space, and contains a mixture of clinical research stations, imaging analysis rooms, seminar rooms, research assessment rooms, and wet and dry research laboratories. Due to the fall of the site, the ground floor is a partial basement with its floor area below ground level at the southeastern end of the site.
Externally, a key objective was to create a contemporary and timeless design that complements the local surroundings.
Accordingly, the façade is clad in familiar and natural materials comprising modular, repetitive elements of earthy terracotta that reference the context and character of the site and its history as a quarry. Timber frames provide a compliment to highlight and identify entrances.
The facade is arranged in various combinations to create a unique architectural pattern broken up by full height slot window apertures that are arranged to introduce daylight into the building and express the internal building layout and variety of spaces.
An innovative solution for natural ventilation with acoustic buffering is incorporated within the reveals of the facade, ensuring the building is full of fresh air and controlled natural light, reinforcing the University’s commitment to sustainability, health, and well-being. The landscaping strategy provides colourful and fragrant planting towards the north and northeast boundary, which also incorporates seating for staff and visitors to enjoy.
Project team
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
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
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
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
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.
Name surname
Title
Turpis consectetur facilisis diam lacus consequat fringilla tellus. Laoreet auctor odio neque auctor senectus libero a quisque amet. Augue sed vestibulum senectus.
Id scelerisque laoreet eget tempor adipiscing mattis. Nibh dolor imperdiet amet at. Tellus nulla diam volutpat venenatis amet faucibus ut. Ac rhoncus libero volutpat ipsum tristique convallis tellus. Tellus nulla diam volutpat venenatis amet faucibus ut. Ac rhoncus libero volutpat ipsum tristique convallis tellus.
