Master Builder Awards

The team at Taylor Fit Out Ltd were tasked with providing new high-end offices to act as Skanska's new HQ for approximately 2,000 people.

The build was fast-paced with multiple co-ordination points and trades, so daily updates kept things on track between the client, trades and architects, helping to avoid any issues.

With the client being one of the biggest building companies in the UK, the benchmark was set high. The project was architect-led, with Taylor Fit Out also carrying out their own bespoke design work. The judges commented that they liked the attention to detail such as extra sound proofing and the inclusion of timber doors and would like to work there.

Find out more about Taylor Fit Out Ltd.

With their first foray into ‘design and build’, Home Republic Ltd took on the challenge to almost entirely re-build this community centre in Hendon. Retaining just the front façade and side walls, they were able to create light, spacious and inviting community spaces.

Over 80 steel beams were used in the build to support an open-plan layout, with moveable partitions on the first floor which provide the flexibility to configure the space either as a large hall or as eight separate classrooms. Meanwhile on the ground floor, a professional events hall has been equipped with integrated smart stage and AV room. The front garden has also been cleverly raised to create outdoor venue space, and a kitchen built to serve up to 300 people – giving new opportunities for use.

Communication was key to the project’s success. As a sacred space, the team were mindful of their impact on site and fostered a respectful approach throughout the build. The judge’s commented on the team’s use of specialised apps to connect decision makers with Home Republic Ltd’s dedicated communications manager and procurement manager – all of which contributed to the project being delivered four months ahead of schedule. Community centre trustees have since been congratulated on the finished project by the current Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, and Home Republic Ltd commented that they are ‘extremely proud to have now played our part in London's community life.’

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

This one-of-a-kind project saw Setanta Construction Ltd take on a challenging brief involving the off-site construction of the Richard Rodgers Art Gallery, which would eventually sit in the 500-acre grounds of  Château La Coste, Provence, in the south of France. 

Accessed via a short bridge, the 120-square-metre art gallery is almost entirely aerially suspended with only four small footings touching the ground. Two pivot points were placed at the edge of the hillside, while two sets of tension rods tie the building to the ground to create the cantilever. It is supported by a bright-orange structure that is visible on the outside. 

The structure and form of the gallery, which contains one white room that ends with a full-height, full-width window, were born out of the desire to frame the view over the Château La Coste vineyards and the Provencal landscape. To do so, the gallery had to nestle amongst the treetops and the site therefore necessitated this ambitious structural solution. 

An exemplar of remarkable design and engineering, the enclosure components were made from I-beams specially treated against termites and sheeted with Garnica Duraply wood panels, ensuring an incredibly robust structure and a long lifespan. 

The judges praised Setanta’s innovative engineering solutions and organisational skill in dealing with an array of specialists from around Europe in order to make this project a success.  

Find out more about Setanta Construction Ltd. 

Radford Construction Services Ltd was appointed to construct six luxury hotel suites and two self-catering party houses for a hospitality client. Each house would provide four large bedrooms as well as a large open plan living/kitchen area – perfect for groups or families coming together for special celebrations. All these new rooms had to be unique and have a spacious luxurious feel. The judges commended the team a great finish – completing the project to a high standard during challenging times. 

Kitted out with luxury touches including super-king-sized beds, hot tubs, mood lighting, sound systems and air-conditioning throughout, disabled access and amenities also had to be incorporated without compromising the ‘wow’ factor. Ultimately it’s not just about looks, the build standard is exemplary, with the completed buildings achieving a high level of thermal efficiency and their noise and pressure readings being close to Passive House standards. 

The team faced challenges with the location of the property. As the build was in the grounds of a hotel, care needed to be taken to minimise disruption for guests. The sloped topography of the site and the fact it is set some distance from services meant that Radford Construction had to dig out 2,000 cubic metres of earth and build a 50m long, 2m high retaining wall. T 

Communication was key to the project’s success, with Radford Construction co-ordinating stakeholder meetings to discuss changes and issues that needed to be resolved. Their architect commented: ‘Andy and the team have consistently produced work of the highest quality, with thoughtful contributions to the overall process, and have always gone the extra mile against high pressure deadlines.’. 

Find out more about Radford Construction Services Ltd. 

O’Mac Construction Limited won the contract to build this 74-home affordable housing scheme in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, for local housing association Hebridean Housing Partnership (HHP). The largest housing development in the Western Isles to be undertaken by an island contractor, the project had community at its heart. The aim was to provide a mix of social housing for rent and shared equity homes, providing quality homes to encourage local residents to stay on the island and support its economy.  

The specification provided by HHP left scope for the team to ensure the homes were finished to the high standards, which set O’Mac Construction Limited apart from other developments.  

As the building material crisis took hold, the team were able to mitigate the pressure of rising prices by buying in bulk and building a dedicated store for materials on site. The site was shared with another contractor building a care home, and issues were resolved at monthly meetings with the other company, as well as at weekly meeting between O’Mac Construction Limited and their subcontractors. To keep the island community in the loop, they released a quarterly newsletter with updates on progress and kept in regular contact with residents of neighbouring streets. 

John Maciver, Director of Operations for HHP, said that the housing association highly commended them for the quality of work delivered on the project. ‘The feedback from our tenants has been universally positive and people are delighted with their new homes.’ 

Find out more about O’Mac Construction Limited, which is also an FMB insurance customer. 

Taking on the challenging brief to transform two derelict barns into luxury accommodation, All Build Construction Services pulled out all the stops to make this project a success. Despite disruptions to working patterns because of COVID restrictions and having to apply to the council to replace broken windows, the team have brought the buildings back to life by installing underfloor heating throughout, dual hot tubs, a mezzanine floor, bespoke lighting and a ceiling created from reclaimed wood pallets.

Their longstanding client completely trusted the team to overcome all obstacles, praising All Build's ’ 'can-do' attitude and ability to take the stress out of any project.

The judges appreciated the builder’s commitment to delivering a high-quality finish throughout the properties, and to maintaining regular communications via Zoom with their client when traditional in-person meetings became impossible.

Find out more about All Build Construction Services.

With this outstanding project, Stonewood Builders Ltd delivered an ambitious full-sized replica of a Hadspen Roman Villa, using ancient crafts, techniques and materials – the largest replica villa currently in the UK. They were also tasked with building a modern, minimalist museum building alongside the villa, to house the original archaeological and visitor displays.

This project was a real test of Stonewood’s ability to harness traditional craftmanship, whilst embracing the cutting edge of modern technology. The client commented: 'In the Museum building we wanted to create things that had never been done before whereas the reimagined Villa building required elements that hadn’t been done in thousands of years. Stonewood were willing to research, learn, and explore as part of a team to achieve what we wanted.'

Features of the Villa include hand-painted ceilings that use authentic materials, thatched roofs, wattle and daub, rammed earth, a working hypocaust heating system and bathing pools; this meant specialists from nearly every trade were required to be engaged in team meetings.

The steel framed museum has been designed in a contemporary style; a fully glazed 48 metre façade offers unobstructed views of the Roman Villa. The standout internal feature is a glass bridge and balustrade sitting over the original ruins.

Judges commented that ‘It’s a reflection on the confidence the contractor had in taking on this project.’

Find out more about Stonewood Builders Ltd.

Rhodes Joinery & Building Services Ltd's work on this property in Elland, West Yorkshire saw them breathe new life into a disused ironmonger’s shop, Cooper Kitchen, which holds significant historical value in the area.

Staying true to the building’s heritage, the team have implemented a replica of the Moorgate Dwarf Roadster No. 5 penny farthing bicycle produced by Cooper Kitchen around 1885. Commissioned specially for the renovation, this model now takes pride of place behind the new main bar.

The walls have been stripped back to reveal the original brickwork by a local firm, and the bar / tables have all been hand-made by this Master Builder’s joinery team. A huge wall mural, hand-painted by local artist Richard Everett was included in the space, as well as historical photographs and items added as an homage to the community. They are now on display throughout the property - many donated by local people themselves.

Find out more about Rhodes Joinery & Building Services Ltd.