Project Overview
Faringdon Lodge acts as an entrance gateway to Abingdon School, welcoming those who arrive and helping to establish the identity of the School and the values it represents.
The building was designed to complement the architecture of the school.
The red brick and zinc standing seam roof of the neighbouring Yang Science Centre were replicated on Faringdon Lodge, while the colonnades at ground level and the first-floor terrace provide depth to the facade.
The bricks echo the landscape of the sports pitch opposite. Complementing black bricks and dark mortar are used around the ancillary areas to the rear of the building, with the intention that climbing plants will cover them, further blending into the adjacent landscape.
Internally, the ground floor boasts a spacious reception area with a central bespoke oak desk and feature timber ceilings.
The first floor comprises two upgraded sixth form house rooms (or Common Rooms) named after teachers at the school. Both sides, O’Donnelly’s and O’Doherty’s, have kitchenettes, Heads’ offices, study areas and breakout/lounge spaces with entertainment in the form of TVs and foosball tables.
The building has several pioneering innovations that improve the overall user experience.
There are automatic ventilation dampers on the north side of the building which provide free heating and cooling and the 1st floor terrace has an invisible glass smoke screen to channel smoke out of the building, stopping it spreading to the other side in the event of a fire.
Further to this, and to meet with the client requirement, the balconies and terraced areas utilise a channel drainage system to maintain the slim profiles of their build up. The 1st and 2nd floor terrace have a complex gravity fed drainage system using Schlüter Ditra drain and adjustable channels set to falls. Installed under the tiles, any rainwater is channelled to the drain which has holes both on top and at the sides. This system ensures the 1st and 2nd floor soffits are completely waterproof.
Core Team
Jonathan Richardson
Board Director
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.
Raymond Renkel
Construction Manager
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.
James Franklin
M&E Manager
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
