Project Overview
SDC has made significant contributions to the dynamic landscape of Cambridge Science Park, a hub of innovation that houses over 130 companies and accommodates 7,000 professionals within its expansive 1.7 million sq. ft.
Crafted under the visionary design of Scott Brownrigg, these buildings epitomise prime ‘Cat A’ office and headquarters spaces.
Referred to as Building 1 and 2, these structures stand proudly at the park’s entrance, offering cutting-edge research and development spaces as well as offices to a myriad of world-renowned technology firms and promising startups in the biomedical and tech sectors.
Building 1 spans an impressive 93,000 sq ft, while Building 2 covers an expansive 118,000 sq ft. Both structures are versatile, accommodating both single and multi-tenant occupancy.
A central colonnade, graced with soaring 18m tall, cladded feature columns, elegantly connects the two buildings.
Supported by piled foundations and an in-situ concrete frame, the exterior harmoniously blends cladding with full-height glazing, creating an inviting facade.
Internally, the buildings boast ‘Cat A’ standard fit-outs, featuring central cores with lift shafts, glass atriums, and striking cantilevered metal staircases. The ground floor amenities include ten showers, lockers, and changing rooms, enhancing the workspace experience.
Striving for sustainability and efficiency, the buildings achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and an EPC ‘B’ rating.
Both buildings are equipped with eco-friendly features such as LED lighting, raised access floors, suspended ceilings, and four-pipe coil air conditioning units. Rooftop plant rooms, encased in louvred screens, house PV panels and brown roofs, underlining the commitment to green practices.
The project encompasses the construction of a 4-storey, 7-level multi-storey car park, offering 540 parking spaces.
This steel-framed and pre-cast concrete marvel not only serves a functional purpose but also doubles as a canvas for public artwork. Hexagonal lights adorn the structure, showcasing captivating images from around the Science Park, adding a touch of artistry to this architectural achievement.
Core Team
Adam Knaggs
Board Director
Adam has cultivated a celebrated career in construction management, culminating in his appointment as Managing Director in September 2021. His early exposure to the construction industry began with hands-on experience assisting his father in building agricultural structures. Following his GCSEs, Adam launched his own business, focusing on farming construction projects for a year. However, due to a decline in workload, he joined SDC in 1995.
Commencing his tenure as a Trainee Site Engineer, Adam has steadily advanced through a variety of site-based management roles, accumulating a wealth of experience and making substantial contributions to the company’s operations. In his capacity as Managing Director, he now plays a pivotal role in defining SDC’s strategic direction and ensuring the successful delivery of its diverse project portfolio. He also has overall responsibility for Health and Safety, and Quality departments.
Adam has led significant large-scale projects, including the Northampton College Redevelopment which, at the time, was one of the largest contracts in SDC’s history. His leadership on this project earned him recognition as a finalist in the Construction Manager of the Year Awards in 2009. Earlier in his career, Adam also received the Institution of Civil Engineers’ Site Engineer of the Year Award in 1999 for his innovative shuttering system design.
Beyond his project work, Adam has been an active participant in the broader construction industry. As Chair of the Cambridgeshire branch of the Chartered Institute of Building from 2016 to 2019, he promoted collaboration and professional development within the sector. More recently, he served as a trustee of the CFCI for three years. Under Adam’s guidance, SDC continues to advance its long-standing tradition of delivering quality construction projects, supported by a commitment to innovation, excellence, and community engagement.
Luke Norris
Contracts Manager
Simon Morrall
Commercial Manager
Simon is an Estimating Manager at SDC with over 20 years of experience. As an integral member of the site strategy team, his duties and responsibilities include managing the estimating department and preparing estimates and cost planning during the pre-construction and tender phases. For the past decade, he has worked on projects for Trinity College at the Cambridge Science Park, focusing on Science & Technology facilities and complex laboratory refurbishments.
Josh Goodwin
Design Manager
Josh joined SDC in 2015 after receiving a BSc in Construction Engineering Management from the University of Loughborough. Starting as a Design Coordinator, he quickly showcased his expertise and leadership potential, progressing through various roles over the years. Currently serving as the Head of Design, Josh oversees the Design Department and manages all phases of project design, ensuring the integration of technical and creative solutions. His comprehensive knowledge of construction engineering, coupled with his strategic vision, has been pivotal in delivering high-quality and innovative design solutions across multiple projects.
Marc Huggins
Services Project Manager
Jonathan Richardson
M&E Manager
After completing his A-Levels in Nottingham, Jonathan pursued an engineering apprenticeship at Leeds College of Building. This block-release programme integrated theoretical study with hands-on experience, enhancing his technical skills and problem-solving abilities. During his apprenticeship, he worked with a national MEP contractor, which gave him valuable industry exposure but ultimately highlighted his preference for a more collaborative and people-focused work environment.
A significant shift in Jonathan’s career occurred when his mentor invited him to join a regional family-owned MEP contractor in Nottingham. The role suited his collaborative working style, but the company later faced financial challenges during a recession, prompting him to explore new opportunities.
Having already collaborated with SDC as a subcontractor, Jonathan’s skills drew the attention of the company’s M&E Director. After his former employer’s closure, he joined SDC and was soon entrusted with leading its newly created M&E self-delivery department. Over 18 months, he assembled a team of professionals with subcontractor expertise, building a department now comprising 20 members, including trainees and project managers. This team operates with a focus on technical excellence and practical problem-solving.
In 2016, SDC supported Jonathan during a challenging period in his personal life. Faced with extensive travel demands and an expanding family, he raised his concerns with the company, which facilitated his relocation closer to its base. This adjustment improved his work-life balance and reinforced his commitment to the company.
Jonathan became a Director in January 2024. In this role, he is responsible for project delivery, tendering, preconstruction, and sustainability efforts, alongside overseeing the MEP department. His contributions have been integral to the successful delivery of complex projects in sectors such as Formula One, including work with clients like Aston Martin and Red Bull. He values the variety and problem-solving aspects of his role and is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within SDC.
Dean Lathan
M&E Manager
