Project Overview
SDC was employed to carry out the design and construction works for a new 60-bed regional Surge Centre and two Nightingale Wards for Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
As a result of increased Coronavirus cases in the Cambridgeshire region in late 2020, Addenbrooke’s Hospital made the decision to expand their capacity with a new regional Surge Centre and three Nightingale Wards.
SDC was appointed from the outset of the project, at initial concept stage, to work collaboratively with Cambridge University Hospital Trust, the Employer’s Agent, Project Manager and Project Quantity Surveyor. SDC also worked closely with the client’s directly employed Modular Contractor, ESS Modular.
SDC’s scope of work included all design work, from initial briefing through to the construction stage. This involved close liaison with the Modular Contractor, and the client’s M&E compliance teams, to ensure project expectations were aligned during the design stage.
SDC’s work comprised site clearances, demolition, drainage, incoming M&E services, foundations, external works , and a new tunnel formed to connect to the underground network into Addenbrookes Hospital.
SDC also added a newly created silent sheet piled concrete basement, fully fitted out with finishings and services, as well as all new-build external plant buildings to support the new facilities.
The three new buildings were constructed from modular units. A significant amount of liaison with ESS Modular and management within the SDC team took place to ensure that the site was ready and available to accept the modular units when they were placed into position. SDC planned to ensure that all services entering the building were coordinated with off-site manufacturing, while also integrating external works activities with on-site activities safely.
Due to the sensitive location of the scheme, noisy works and traffic movements were under constant review to ensure minimal disruption to members of the public and hospital staff.
Strategies were put in place for logistics, diversions of critical care services, road closures, and hospital staff and patient’s footpath diversions adjacent to the A&E department. After finishing the extensive remodelling work, SDC refreshed the S-Block garden quadrant and provided a new summerhouse to create a relaxing breakout area for patients to enjoy during the warmer months.
Core Team
Dan Changer
Board Director
After completing a BArch (Hons) Architecture at the University of Cambridge, Dan began his career in architecture in London. During his later Part 3 studies, he worked as an Architect for a London-based architecture firm, contributing to a project at Christ Lane in Cambridge with SDC as the Principle Contractor.
In 2010, Dan became the first Architect employed directly by SDC. Dan emersed himself in the interface between consultant and subcontract design management to ensure efficient design delivery, which became a central part of his role.
One of his early projects was at Moulton College, where he worked as a Design Manager on a sports rehabilitation centre, learning to balance design considerations with practical implementation. This led to further schemes, such as his involvement in the University of Cambridge Sports Centre project which had a complicated roof geometry, necessitating close collaboration with consultants and specialist subcontractor design. It was during this time that Dan formed close partnerships with other members of the SDC team that proved valuable for managing complex projects and delivering results under pressure.
Dan’s work with the University of Cambridge became a defining aspect of his career, with notable projects such as the Maxwell Centre and Judge Business School amongst many others. His background as a Cambridge alumnus has helped foster strong relationships, ensuring that the University receive projects that meet its expectations for quality and functionality.
Known for his problem-solving abilities, Dan frequently tackles architecturally challenging projects. Responsible for the Design department within the company, his approach focuses on planning, collaboration, and ensuring that designs align with the client’s vision. He values the supportive and fair culture at SDC, which has helped cultivate long-term staff loyalty. For Dan, the most rewarding part of his work is seeing the spaces he helps create put to good use and appreciated by clients.
Phil Janes
Commercial Manager
Philip Rudd
Design Manager
David Smeaton
M&E Manager
Matt Wells
Planning Manager
