2023 Master Builder Awards

E.O. Jones & Sons’ work on this pair of 19th century semi-detached properties saw them retrofit them in order to reach the demanding Passivhaus EnerPhit standard.

Their use of insulation and a raft of renewable energy measures has resulted in a huge 94% reduction in heating energy requirements, down from 404 kWh/m2a to 23.7 kWh/m2a. The team has also installed new triple glazed windows and solid timber doors, mechanical ventilation with a heat recovery system, an air-source heat pump and underfloor heating along with a wastewater heat recovery system and LED lighting.

The eco-measures continue externally, with a living green-roof cycle / bin store to promote recycling and the use of bicycles to reach nearby amenities. The judges hailed the work as a 'very well-executed EnerPhit project that succeeded in its aims and should inspire others to follow its low-carbon, energy-efficient principles.'

Find out more about E.O. Jones & Sons, who are also an FMB Insurance customer.

Taking on the demolition of a 1930s bungalow and the subsequent construction of a future-proof, modern family home, the MJ Construction team have taken care to minimise the use of environmentally unfriendly cellulose insulation, opting for eco-friendly mineral wool alternatives and increased the thickness of the wall cavities to facilitate its use.

They have also incorporated specialist insulation to the footing of the building to mitigate any thermal losses into the ground, and installed a heat recovery system which recycles excess heat from higher levels of the building and recycles the air throughout the property.

An HEPA air purifying filter has been installed to reduce pollen and dust allergen, and underfloor heating has been fitted to both the upper and lower floors, as well as being integrated into a liquid screed, which acts as one thermal mass.

The new home is also served by a 12KW Vaillant air-source heat pump, and single-phase car charging points.

The judges were impressed by the sustainability features of the new home, and praised the project management practices employed by this Master Builder.

Find out more about MJ Construction.

This whole-house refurbishment and retrofit project in Sydenham saw Earl and Calam Design and Build Ltd transform a cold, draughty two-storey detached 1960s house into a future-proof eco-home.

The ambitious project saw the team implement a range of different heat conservation measures including rockwool insulation, cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and structural insulation. Great attention has also been paid to ensuring the house is as airtight as possible, with all the windows and doors replaced and gaps closed between these and the ceiling, floors, walls, between the floor joists as well as every cable and pipe.

The team have also fitted a heat recovery ventilation system and air source heating system, enabling the home to stay warm and comfortable even though it has now been disconnected from the gas grid.

The judges considered this an impressive retrofit project, praising the design and material choices and excellent workmanship on the part of this Master Builder.

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

This winning project by Moffit & Robinson Construction Ltd was designed to exceed Passive House standards from the outset. Not only did the team deliver this, but their attentive approach to the details delivered exceptional results, with the completed project far exceeding its targets for air-tightness.

A sustainable, energy efficient build was at the top of their client’s wish list, but they also wanted to make the most of the expansive views over Donegal Bay and Sligo to the south of this elevated site. The large, triple glazed picture windows that frame this view make the most of solar gains when needed, but this heat is controlled by a ‘brise soleil’ overhanging shade during the height of summer.

The secret to the home’s incredible thermal efficiency stars with its fabric. It’s constructed from Moffitt & Robinson Construction Ltd’s own Passive certified timber frame, which is highly insulated and airtight. To add to the building’s eco-credentials, an air source heat pump provides all energy within the home. All building materials were sourced as locally to the site as possible, and the wooden flooring used throughout the home was sourced sustainably. All of which adds up to a thoroughly environmentally conscious build.

Commenting on the winning project, the judges said that it’s a ‘great example of a modern build, built to meet environmental & sustainable requirements in these challenging times for our environment.’

Find out more about Moffitt & Robinson Construction Ltd, which is also an FMB insurance customer.

This project in Edinburgh saw True Build Trade Services completes Scotland's first developer-led cross-laminate timber building, proving that this innovative construction method is viable, achieving aesthetic success and doing so without compromising build quality. 

The six-flat tenement building makes use of PV solar panels to power the common area. Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) units have been installed in each flat, along with gas boilers and a warm earthy feeling thanks to the exposed timber walls, which help to retain heat and save on energy requirements. 

Making use of custom acoustic seals, gaskets, ceiling and wall brackets, as well as wood fibre insulation and plasterboard ceilings, the team have managed to exceed Scotland's already stringent 56db noise-reduction regulations by 6db. This puts the build amongst the most efficient in Europe when it comes to noise insulation.  

The judges described this as 'excellent work' and praised the builder's problem-solving skills when it came to planning permission challenges in the early stages of the project. 

Find out more about True Build Trade Services Ltd. 

Shaped like a butterfly, this eco dream home makes use of naturally occurring, chemical-free underground water reserves rather than being connected to a mains supply - meaning no water bills for the client.

The north wing features a beautiful sedum green roof, which reduces the building’s carbon footprint as well as reducing heating energy requirements during winter, whilst also improving air quality and providing a habitat for local wildlife. The south wing houses 60 solar PV panels which together yield an 18.6kWp output, estimated to provide around £85,000 in energy savings over the next 20 years.

The home is not connected to gas or mains drains as Bespoke have installed a Bio Bubble domestic solution, which transfers wastewater into an underground Bio Bubble where it is treated, so it can flow directly into the adjacent ditch and stream safely thereafter.

The judges loved the innovative approach to incorporating eco-friendly technology, and the builder’s project management during the disruption caused by COVID lockdowns.

Find out more about Bespoke Living Construction Ltd, who are also an FMB Insurance customer.

This exceptional five-bedroom property in Cheltenham was built to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint using the latest renewable technologies whilst still maintaining a modern, luxury appeal.

The commitment to sustainability is clear throughout in the implementation of A-rated appliances including air-source heat pumps, heat recovery systems, solar panels, water-restriction devices and upgraded cavity wall insulation.

A beautiful aesthetic has also been achieved thanks to the Ashlar stone facade and coping stone set over four storeys, with an oak and glass staircase and stairwell designed to usher in natural light, giving the property a unique and elegant look.

Their client was thrilled with the result, stating 'The technological components are complemented by a remarkably high-quality finish and exceptional attention to detail all around the building… Priory Villa is a fine contribution to Cheltenham's building legacy and an equally fine reflection of the highest standards of sustainable construction delivered by Thorn Homes'.

Find out more about Thorn Homes Ltd, who are also an FMB Insurance customer.

D L E Construction Limited took on a challenging brief to produce this detached, new-build, sustainable family home, whilst ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding environment.

The team have created a modern, fully open plan living area that has been uniquely designed to capture natural light, utilising the south-facing aspect of the plot. They also incorporated the latest green technologies, including ground-source heat pump, solar panels, a heat-recovery system, underfloor heating, a rainwater harvesting system, triple glazed Velfac windows and extensive insulation.

Their client was thrilled with their new home, stating ‘The DLE team worked very well together and managed to foresee and accomplish things we worried would be impossible during the COVID lockdown. They created exactly what we wanted to a high standard and found creative solutions to what we wanted to achieve.’

Find out more about D L E Construction Limited.