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.
Richard Smith
Quantity Surveyor
Chris Lane
Design Coordinator
Stephen Manley
Services Project 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.
