Project Overview
The new building at Lucy Cavendish College provides 72 eco-friendly and modern en-suite bedrooms tailored for students.
This scheme is the largest Passivhaus student residential building in Cambridge.
SDC considered sustainability features at every step of this project, with innovative foundation details developed to minimise heat loss through the ground by reducing the connection between the foundation and the ground floor. The highly insulated and airtight building significantly reduces energy requirements for heating and cooling. In addition, timber brise soleil and projecting elements provide solar shading and enhance views of the college gardens.
Comfort ventilation is ensured through strategically placed openable windows, while ample daylighting is designed into each room. Solar shading mitigates overheating, ensuring study bedrooms and kitchens remain comfortable for individual and group activities throughout the academic year.
The CLT frame significantly reduces carbon emissions within the building.
The exterior is a combination of clay tile and timber with lime mortar brickwork to help reduce the embodied carbon of the materials in the façade.
The design eliminates the use of fossil fuels by utilising Air Source Heat Pump technology to provide space heating and hot water. Water consumption is reduced through the specification of highly water-efficient sanitary ware and appliances, along with a landscape-integrated drainage strategy that helps reduce and control water runoff while providing irrigation to the gardens.
This approach reduces embodied carbon by up to 30%, minimising material volume and achieving a balance between carbon reduction, longevity, and recyclability at the end of the building’s life cycle. Lucy Cavendish College achieved 5 National Construction awards, including a Commendation for the CFCI ‘David Mackay Award for Engineering and Sustainability’.
Inclusivity is at the core of the project.
Set in the West Cambridge Conservation Area, the project is designed to complement the surrounding college buildings and integrate with the existing scenery of the site.
The rooms are arranged in various combinations, featuring self-catering facilities, social spaces, a café, and a bar area. The ground floor includes informal learning and collaboration spaces. The new building supports Lucy Cavendish College’s increasingly diverse student body by offering a range of co-accessible and fully accessible rooms, fostering an inclusive learning and living environment.
Professor Dame Madeleine Atkins, President Lucy Cavendish College University of Cambridge
“We are delighted with our new building. At Lucy Cavendish College we are passionate about tackling the pressing issues of the twenty-first century. Our new building has been designed to facilitate integration across our increasingly diverse student body and foster an engaged, inclusive and welcoming community. It was important to us to create a future-proof building that is low energy and low carbon and can also be easily expanded in response to our growth.”
Core Team
Carl Bennett
Board Director
Carl’s career in the construction industry began in 2004 when he joined SDC. Starting in a hands-on role, which later became the blueprint for the SDC Management Trainee Scheme, Carl gained extensive experience across various sectors, including gymnasiums, swimming pools, care homes, and large-scale science buildings. His diverse project involvement included Site Management, Contract Management, and project direction, which helped him develop a comprehensive understanding of the construction process.
In the early years, Carl contributed to projects such as the Sharnbrook School science block, Cardington Court care home, and a road project in Solihull. Despite the challenges of tight margins and economic pressure during the recession, he demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills, managing complex logistics and leading teams to deliver projects successfully.
A pivotal moment in Carl’s career came in 2012 when he was appointed Construction Manager for a £20 million project at Admiral Insurance in Newport, Wales. Leading a team to deliver three floors of office space ahead of schedule, the SDC team were recognized with the prestigious Admiral Supplier of the Year award. This success propelled him through further leadership roles, including Contracts Manager and ultimately Board Director.
As a Board Director at SDC, Carl oversees key departments such as pre-construction, sales, estimating, and IT. His strategic input has been instrumental in modernising company operations, particularly through digitising processes and improving internal systems. Known for his methodical approach to project management, Carl ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of clients.
Throughout his career, Carl has maintained a strong commitment to team development and mentorship, fostering an environment of collaboration and growth. His leadership and dedication to SDC’s long-term success have cemented his reputation as a key figure within the company.
David Heard
Contracts Manager
Paddy Leslie
Construction 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.
Andy Roberts
Design Manager
Carl Seager
M&E Manager
Matt Wells
Planning Manager
