Project Overview
Barns 1 and 2 for NIAB were designed to provide a mixture of laboratories, offices, and controlled spore proof growth rooms.
The innovative structures were tailored to accommodate a blend of cutting-edge research and write up spaces
The barns serve as secure storage facilities for essential resources such as onions, potatoes, and seeds.
Both barns are two-storey steel frame buildings, featuring piled foundations, a combination of ground bearing and suspended concrete slabs, and adorned with striking metal composite cladding.
The external environment is carefully curated to harmonise with nature and facilitate research endeavours.
Thoughtful landscaping elements, including specialised plant growth areas were integrated, fostering an atmosphere conducive to scientific exploration and agricultural innovation.
The Barns were designed for flexibility.
The spaces are now fully equipped to support collaboration, experimentation, and innovation, enabling NIAB to increase their research and development facilities.
Core Team
Andy Shiner
Project Director
Andy embarked on a career in construction at 18, starting with a carpentry apprenticeship. During three years with local carpentry firms, he gained experience erecting timber frames and honed first and second fix carpentry skills, developing a strong foundation in building finishes and trade collaboration.
In 2008, Andy transitioned to site management, joining SDC Builders Ltd as an Assistant Site Manager while pursuing a part-time Foundation Degree in Construction Management. Working on complex projects valued at up to £20m, he developed skills in logistics, programming, and health and safety. He was promoted to Site Manager in 2010, managing notable projects for clients such as Babraham Bioscience Technologies and the University of Cambridge.
By 2015, Andy had advanced to the roles of Construction Manager and then Contracts Manager, overseeing multiple projects with a combined value of up to £50m. His role expanded to include pre-construction planning, financial oversight, and post-occupancy responsibilities. In 2018, he became a Project Director, contributing to company-wide decision-making before joining SDC’s Board of Directors in 2020.
As a Board Director, Andy oversees the delivery of three or four projects simultaneously, guiding teams through tender preparation, construction, and completion. His extensive experience working on-site enables him to effectively support site staff and gain a comprehensive understanding of their needs. Andy also leads strategic initiatives, mentors staff and manages the key Plant Hire department. Building and maintaining client relationships is a central focus, supporting the company’s high rate of repeat business, which accounts for 80% of turnover.
Peter Armstrong
Construction Manager
Phil Janes
Commercial Manager
Jon Putterill
Senior Quantity Surveyor
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.
Chris Beer
Design Coordinator
