2023 Master Builder Awards, Large Renovation project
National winner: Vantage & Co Group Limited
Buried in the industrial depths of Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, a Georgian gem lay derelict and waiting to be unearthed. Vantage & Co was tasked with restoring it as a private residence, preserving the remaining period features and repurposing some of its materials in the design.
The showstopping feature of the project is the original Bath stone staircase, which has been fully restored with hand-carved stonework by Vantage & Co’s master craftspeople, who also applied their work to the exterior’s stonework and render detailing, returning it to its former glory.
The developer, Steve Dodd of Elevate Property Group, commented: 'We approached the team at Vantage and Co having seen the quality of their work and their attention to detail on previous projects. The refurbishment of such a key building to the history of Birmingham had to be carefully considered and we are delighted with how the project turned out. We genuinely feel that it has been restored to one of the finest homes in central Birmingham.'
The national judges loved the care and sensitivity that went into the rejuvenation of such an historic building. They recognised the extraordinary transformation of a structure that had fallen into such a poor state, indicating it was a ‘real testament to everyone involved in the project’. They commended the team for their commitment in carrying out such an authentic restoration, which introduced modern features to the property without disrupting its original character and feel.
What really stood out for me with this particular project was the dedication to historical authenticity, the desire to accurately restore the building to its original 200 year-old splendour.”
