Project Overview
Project Hadar involved the refurbishment and re-configuration of the four-storey Gleeson building, plus the ground floor and link section of the Department of Pharmacology building. The works included major structural alterations to the link section as well as M&E services in both buildings.
The finished scheme provides new wet and dry laboratories, alongside write up areas and collaborative spaces.
A new lift tower was also constructed on the north end of the Gleeson building. The laboratories were fitted out with Romero modular metal and Trespa benching, and the seminar and meeting rooms were finished with wall panelling, enhanced wall graphics and acoustic rafts.
SDC was required to build a suite of rooms to house a Cryo Electron Microscope, including a preparation room, instrument room, and plant room.
It is vital that the room maintain a 20% humidity and a temperature of 21°C, which must not fluctuate more than 0.5°C in any 24-hour period. A mixture of recirculated air and fresh air was used to maintain the required environment using a Core Control Air Conditioning Unit which worked in conjunction with a dehumidification unit.
The finished scheme provided new wet and dry laboratories, alongside write up areas and collaborative spaces.
It was agreed that additional distribution boards and data patch rooms would be introduced to aid the separate commissioning of the areas. The early consideration of the phased handover and MEP design and commissioning meant that the completion of the works progressed without incident under a controlled and managed process.
Stephen Hallam, Portfolio Leader, University of Cambridge
“Project Hadar was successfully completed today with the third and final phase being handed over on time and to a high quality, as the previous two phases. This project has not been easy from the outset through impacts caused by delay on other related projects, necessary changes in the project team, increase in scope and most recently COVID 19. What has been achieved by the team is a great result and just as important is the excellent spirit in which this was executed. It is a great credit to SDC and your whole team.”
Core Team
Dan Changer
Project 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.
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.
Matt Stevens
Senior Design Manager
Matt has been a part of SDC since 2007 and is an experienced and adaptable Senior Project Design Manager, well-versed in SDC’s collaborative and solution-driven approach. He actively engages in the pre-construction phase and stays involved throughout the project’s completion. With his broad industry experience, Matt excels at uniting the design development process, collaborating closely with both the client’s team and SDC’s internal design team to ensure the original design vision is preserved.
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.
David Smeaton
M&E Manager
Matt Wells
Planning Manager
