2021 Master Builder Awards

Home Republic Ltd worked closely with their client right from the start on this loft ensuite bathroom redesign project; executing a challenging brief to create an open, comfortable space within the confines of the sloped ceilings. The judges described the high-quality finish as “visually superb” and were impressed by the clever use of floor space and the abundance of natural light. The team provided an excellent service to their client too, who stated: “We are really happy with the results and with the quality of the units. Everything was delivered on-time and in excellent conditions.”

Find out more about Home Republic Ltd, which is also an FMB Insurance customer.

Despite grappling with the myriad challenges posed by the pandemic, Brexit, material and staff shortages and more, Ultimate Engineers impressed the judges as with their “good teamwork ethos and evidence of customer care”. They hold regular team meetings and discuss all responsibilities with their tradespeople in detail to ensure everybody can work in harmony and stay one step ahead of volatile material prices by maintaining a network of reliable suppliers. Team members are trusted with flexible working patterns to ensure they can deliver their best on every project, resulting in excellent customer satisfaction on all their builds.

Find out more about Ultimate Engineers Ltd.

Architecturall Ltd’s construction of Woods Quay – a new luxury reception and berthing pontoon for Thames’ travel business Wood’s Fleet – involved an unconventional construction process which took place on a floating barge, which was then towed 25 miles to the site and moored in place. The team overcame the unique challenges of building on a floating site and in a Conservation area, and sourced materials locally to reduce the impact on the environment. The judges hailed it as an “impressive and unusual scheme” and noted the finished project’s visual appeal as well as the client’s satisfaction. The latter remarked “throughout construction, Architecturall remained calm and attentive to all the precise details we had requested as a client [in] creating the luxury accommodation we required.”

Find out more about Architecturall Ltd.

Kisiel Group’s work on this project saw them demolish an old MOT test centre and construct seven new homes. Liaising with their client right from the outset of the project, the team navigated a series of technical challenges to reconfigure the ground floor, before creating the attractive brick façade using materials reclaimed from the old structure. The judges commented that the development was a great example of repurposing a site and the project was delivered “to a very high visual standard, which enhances the surroundings.” The team at Kisiel Group displayed impressive teamwork and communication throughout the build, winning high praise from their client who stated: “What a great bunch of people – friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready to respond quickly to meeting any challenges.”

Find out more about Kisiel Group, which is also an FMB Insurance customer.

Hawksmoor Construction Ltd impressed the judges by establishing a great connection with their client in the process of creating this open-plan, multifunctional kitchen living space. Making optimal use of the limited space available, the team installed quartz worktops and beautifully exposed timber beams, which sit under a glazed roof light and a brick feature wall. The result is an inviting ambiance and a seamless, cohesive look perfect for spending time with friends and family. The client-builder partnership has clearly left a great impression, with the client stating: “The Hawksmoor team - what can I say - they were simply a joy to have around.”

Find out more about Hawksmoor Construction Ltd, which is also an FMB Insurance customer.

Undertaking specialist training in retrofit coordination to tackle this project brief, Earl and Calam Design and Build embraced an aged, leaky and poorly maintained period property as an opportunity to, in their own words “increase our knowledge and properly enter the world of retrofit”. The team achieved a 70% reduction in air leakage and transformed the property into a modern, efficient family home replete with energy-saving technology. The client was delighted with their refurbished home, stating: “Our energy bills are a fraction of the cost they were 12 months ago, and the house always feel warm and cosy despite being a large five-bedroom semi-detached. We can’t thank Earl & Calam enough for all their help and hard work throughout the project.”

Find out more about Earl and Calam Design and Build Ltd, which is also an FMB Insurance customer.

This project required Hawksmoor Construction Ltd to breathe new life into a tired 60s’ townhouse by adding a rear extension, converting the garage into a space for their client’s family to socialise, and even creating a new garden for them to enjoy. In an example of inspired, innovative design, the team implemented a pivoting room-divider, which the judges hailed as “a brilliant solution” for making the most of the space available. They picked up more praise for the “immaculate” finishing and detailing described as “impeccable”. The result is a stunning split-level family home that clearly satisfies their client’s desire for a home which “blur[s] the boundaries between inside and out”.

Find out more about Hawksmoor Construction Ltd, which is also an FMB Insurance customer.

Completing a full rewire, an overhaul of the plumbing system and a total refurbishment in this property, Zaluga Ltd took their client’s design sketch and turned it into a stunning reality, keeping to a tight budget and a condensed three-month timescale. They have transformed the groundfloor with entrance lobby lighting, high ceilings and cornicing where old meets new, whilst bespoke Crittal glazing beckons visitors into the kitchen to discover the specially designed “Zaluga Bar' therein. The judges were particularly impressed with the expert craftmanship evidenced in the clever use of materials throughout the property, describing the finished result as “amazing, especially given the time frame they were working to.”

Following the sudden and unexpected passing of their electrician, colleague, friend and "all-time funny guy and team player" Barteck Sopata on 21st August 2021, Zaluga has dedicated its regional award win to him as a way of saying goodbye. Our hearts go out to all of the family, friends, colleagues and clients affected by Barteck's passing, and we hope this award will serve as a fitting reminder of the excellence of his work.

Find out more about Zaluga Ltd.

The judges hailed this extensive retrofit renovation as a “well-considered project [that] put fabric-first at the heart of the design”. The team at Earl and Calam Design and Build embarked on specialist training specifically to do it justice. The results are evident in the abundance of green technology throughout the home including passive solar panels, external wall insulation (EWI) and the implementation of a Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system. The judges also noticed the significant improvement in the overall aesthetic at the property, which is now a stylish, modern, and energy efficient family home.

Find out more about Earl and Calam Design and Build Ltd, which is also an FMB Insurance customer.

Mantas Gedgaudas impressed the judges with his professional, positive approach to all jobs big and small. Mantas stood out as an excellent manager of his small but effective team, and one who helps colleagues to consistently deliver work they can take pride in. In what has been a challenging year for everybody involved in the construction industry, his understanding of and commitment to helping clients with concerns has been key to the successful conclusion of numerous projects. What’s more, his arrangement of team bonding activities such as fishing trips has helped to establish a great working culture at Contemporary Construction, which will undoubtedly lead to more success in the future.

Find out more about Contemporary Construction Ltd.