Master Builder Awards

For this winning project, Modplan worked with a developer to build two large detached houses and convert a commercial building into seven apartments aimed at the first time buyer market.

Attention to detail wasn’t spared on the finishes, with underfloor heating, bespoke kitchens and high quality sanitaryware throughout. Accessibility was prioritised with an individual lift and wheelchair-friendly access.

The design of the houses set Modplan with several challenges, including a complex roof structure comprised of 50° roof pitches, numerous hips, valleys and an integral balcony, as well as a large brick chimney placed at an acute angle, adding to the complexity. In addition to this, the team tackled the removal of 20 tonnes of contaminated soil, resolved a Japanese knotweed issue and successfully navigated shared access with a neighbouring school, ensuring the safety of their pupils.

Find out more about Modplan Building & Refurbishment Contractors Ltd.

Situated in the midst of the beautiful Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, this project saw Roberts Construction take on the task of creating a forever home for longstanding client, where their autistic son could grow and play in safety and comfort.

Initial plans to incorporate the existing stone barn structure into the home were scuppered when it was deemed structurally unsound. Nonetheless, this Master Builder worked hard to salvage stone and other materials from its demolition, before recreating its features in a new building using modern building practices whilst maintaining its original aesthetic.

The new home is packed with sustainable technology such as a ground source heat pump, PV panels and solar thermal devices. Great attention to detail has been paid whilst applying the older trades too, with the stonework showcasing spectacular skill on the part of this builder.

The client stated ‘the final build can only be described as a triumph and has been created with passion, care and attention to detail that stands proud’, and the judges praised the builder’s support and advice to the client during the difficult lockdown periods that beset this build.

Find out more about Roberts Construction.

The winning entry from Home Republic Ltd makes clever use of an urban infill site in Wimbledon. The corner-shaped new building that has been designed to cap off what previously looked like a very abrupt and 'unfinished' end to a run of two terraces, and has garnered a lot of very positive attention from local residents.

Although it fits in seamlessly with the Victorian street scene, the house is in fact thoroughly up to date and energy efficient, featuring solar panels and high spec insulation and ventilation.

The team were working with a very tight plot on a busy crossroad and with restricted access, yet managed to complete the project without any road closures. They took care to retain an existing tree and carved out just enough space for a small garden for their clients to enjoy. Despite the garden, the site offered limited scope for soak-away – so to manage run-off, they added a sophisticated rainwater collection system underneath the road.

The judges were impressed with Home Republic Ltd’s ability to work in such a limited space. Their client commented that ‘the result was so good that people knocked on my door after the project was complete and asked for the builder's details - there is no more a recommendation than that.’

Find out more about Home Republic Ltd, who are also an FMB Insurance customer.

This impressive new build project combines traditional features usually associated with grand Victorian houses with heaps of luxury features and conveniences fit for 21^st century living. While grounded in traditional design with its chimney stacks, full-height bay windows and grand fireplaces, it also boasts a thoroughly modern kitchen/living space that flows out to the garden through an expanse of glass.  

Outstanding features include the detail and quality of the brickwork, the sandstone portico and window surrounds, and the joinery work showcased through the alcove bookcases, staircase and window panelling. The judges heaped praise on the project, stating that it is an ‘exceptional bespoke new dwelling with excellent detailing and workmanship.’

MRPX Construction Ltd worked closely with their developer client and the architect to ensure a high-quality finish to both this home and others set within the prestigious development of unique homes. Their client commented: ‘The MRPX Construction Ltd team is professional, knowledgeable and dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of workmanship and materials.’

Find out more about MRPX Construction Ltd.

C B Homes Ltd ‘s work on this plot of land in Kingsley, Cheshire saw them produce an exclusive development of four stunning new-build family residences. 

In each home, the generous living area downstairs includes a lounge (with a log burner), a beautiful kitchen and a huge dining space with a fabulous, vaulted ceiling. The garden can be accessed through double sets of French doors, and upstairs there are five bedrooms, including two en-suites, with a magnificent master bedroom complemented by a large dressing room and useful storage area. Each property also boasts a glazed Juliet balcony which overlooks the garden. 

The exterior design of the new houses was closely inspired by the barns and other agricultural buildings which dot the surrounding countryside, and the gardens have been landscaped with natural paving, creating an outdoor terrace area for relaxing and entertaining.  

The client was thrilled with this Master Builder’s work on the project, stating ‘we had utter confidence in C B Homes Ltd to deliver, and they really exceeded our expectations.’ 

Find out more about C B Homes Ltd. 

Set in a conservation area and within the grounds of a Grade II listed property, Mcknight & Son Builders’ winning project is a characterful holiday let. The turreted castle overlooks mature gardens and consists of a three bedroom property with an adjoining two bedroom self-contained wing.   

The owners were initially going to build simpler dormer bungalows but during lockdown decided on a more ambitious plan. As it’s within the boundaries of a listed building, gaining approval from a heritage officer could have thrown a spanner in the works, but after several meetings with Mcnight & Son Builders, along with the other stakeholders, everyone was on board.  

Holidaymakers can relax at the roof terrace bar, with glass panelling between the battlements both to keep them safe and to take advantage of the view. Taking the fortification motif further, the team installed arrow-slit windows to the tower, infilled with stained glass, casting pools of colour into the space inside. 

Find out more about Mcknight & Son Builders. 

The project began when their clients bought the wrong house in the right location. By knocking down a bungalow in a prime spot close to Aberdeen, Coldwells Build Ltd was provided with a blank canvas to bring the owners’ dream home, the two-storey ‘Arbour House’, to life. Its minimalist design belies its detailed construction, concealing hundreds of engineering solutions, discussions, and decisions. 

A stone wall from the demolished bungalow has been salvaged to form an entrance colonnade, and the original stone garden walls provide a sheltered private haven, complete with a secret garden. The first floor is cantilevered above the colonnade, bridging old and new.  

The home’s interior has been finished with microcement floors, timber ceiling and panoramic glazing. Made to measure joinery provides the owners with ample storage with neat details including a pivoting front door in smoked larch and a spiral staircase meticulously constructed from 200 plywood pieces. 

The Coldwells Build Ltd team were tested when the supplier of the timber-imprinted concrete panels bowed out at the last minute. With no other alternatives, they rose to the challenge, innovating a solution to make the panels on site – which proved to be a process of trial and error (albeit one with outstanding results). The architects were so impressed they have specified the technique for their next build. As were our judges who said, ‘the builder's willingness to learn, to innovate and to do so with the most complex of tasks is astounding.’ 

The resulting project pushed boundaries and raised the profile of the company nationally, with a surge in custom home enquiries in 2021.  

Find out more about Coldwells Build Ltd. 

Built in the garden of an existing property, the brief for Northcott Building Contractors Ltd was to construct a four-bedroom new home for their client.

The resulting build captures views to the coast from the double-height floor-to-ceiling apex glazing, and the project cleverly enables the owner to section off two of the bedrooms and a second kitchen as a holiday let in the future.  

The judges praised the builder for overcoming several obstacles during the build. Challenges lay in the steep sloping site, and in delays caused by an urgent upgrade and diversion of water mains.

The client commented: ‘My build faced many challenges, each resulting in discussion, possible solutions, costed options and recommendations from project manager Tom, enabling me to make stress-free informed decisions.  I couldn’t have asked for a nicer, more conscientious, friendly and talented group of builders.’ She added, ‘Would I do it again? With NBC…yes. The only trouble being I'm never going to leave.’

Find out more about Northcott Building Contractors Ltd.

Build My Home Ltd’s project in Brighton was ambitious – demolishing eight garages on a tight urban plot and constructing a two-storey, three bedroom home, all under restrictive planning regulations. The lower storey sits beneath ground level and required extensive excavation work and the judges praised it as ‘an outstanding example of what can be achieved in a challenging plot - with contemporary design coupled with technical building systems to allow the underpinning and basement construction.’

The team had to work around a listed boundary wall and liaised with arborealists to preserve two elm trees. Neighbours were cautious about the scheme, but Build My Home Ltd made time for regular progress updates which helped to allay concerns and maintain relationships.

The owners commented 'We were very impressed with all his team and the quality of workmanship from the very start to the final result. Excellent communication, great attention to detail, and they don’t cut corners. A first-class quality house builder that you can trust!’

Find out more about Build My Home Ltd.

Built on the site of a disused farmyard, this site consists of 40 brand new energy efficient homes assembled in part using stone reclaimed from the derelict structures which formerly occupied the area.

Keigar Homes went to great lengths to carefully extract, prepare and implement the salvaged materials into what is now a thriving new development in Hibaldstow, North Lincolnshire.

One of the project highlights is the entrance area, which has been carefully designed to blend in with existing buildings along East Street, such as the Grade II listed Willow and Beechwood farmhouses which sit either side.

Hibaldstow Parish Council, one of Kiegar’s clients, stated that ‘The development at Willow Farm sits right in the heart of Hibaldstow, and it has certainly enhanced the area visually, while being in-keeping with local build styles and architecture. We’re very pleased that the stone from the old farm buildings could be repurposed in such a way and we welcome this kind of innovation in our village.’

Find out more about Keigar Homes Ltd.