Project Overview
This three-storey building at the John Radcliffe Hospital provides 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 is the UK’s first dedicated centre for stroke and dementia research.
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 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.
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 was arranged in various combinations to create a unique architectural pattern broken up by full-height slot window apertures, arranged to introduce daylight into the building and express the internal building layout and variety of spaces.
The landscaping strategy provides colourful planting towards the north and northeast boundary, which also incorporates seating for staff and visitors to enjoy.
An innovative solution for natural ventilation with acoustic buffering was 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 wellbeing.
Core Team
Elliot Smith
Construction Manager
Elliot joined SDC in 2002 and has progressed to Project Manager, where he has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and successful project delivery. Elliot is involved in projects throughout the entirety of their lifecycle and is dedicated to achieving exemplary standards. He has worked on several projects with repeat clients such as Jaguar Land Rover. His communication skills and focus on stakeholder satisfaction consistently drives positive project outcomes.
Andrew Clark
Commercial Manager
Andrew has worked at SDC since 1995 and is one of the longest serving members of the company, where he has progressed to Project Commercial Director. He is a valued and trusted member of the team with significant industry experience. Andrew has contributed to a vast range of projects across Oxford and Cambridge, where he is responsible for providing commercial leadership, strategic commercial direction and support to the project team.
Stephen Manley
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.
Raj Parmar
Second Stage Leader
Since starting with SDC in 2013, Raj has proven himself to be an accomplished Pre-Construction Manager with a wealth of construction knowledge. Raj’s responsibilities include the overall management of the pre-construction process and assuming the pivotal role of client liaison throughout the whole of the project. With over two decades at the company, Raj is a well-respected member of the team who has worked and a huge variety of projects for a range of sectors including education, leisure, and science and technology.
Matt Wells
Planning Manager
