[Cardiff, 4 April 2025] – The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Cymru is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Cymru Master Builder Awards. From elegant extensions and cutting-edge sustainable builds to complex public sector restorations, this year’s winners showcase the incredible range, quality, and craftsmanship of Wales’ best building professionals.
The 2025 awards, sponsored by Development Bank of Wales, were judged by Tim Phillips, a veteran Quantity Surveyor and columnist for Homebuilding & Renovating magazine, and Joanne Ridout, WalesOnline’s Property Editor and one of Wales’ most passionate voices in home design and restoration. Together, their combined expertise in construction, cost management, and property storytelling brought both rigour and heart to this year’s judging process.
Each award celebrates builders who have gone above and beyond, transforming homes, businesses and public spaces through dedication, innovation, and skill. The awards highlight not just exceptional finished projects, but also the stories behind the builds – the challenges overcome, the relationships nurtured, and the communities impacted.
Small Renovation Project Winner: Excel Home Design Ltd – Flemingston
Excel Home Design Ltd delivered a thoughtful and transformative second-storey extension in Flemingston. The project included a new master suite, spacious bathroom, bespoke staircase, and the creation of a sunlit book nook, providing functional yet beautiful living spaces for a growing family. The client’s vision was expertly brought to life by Russell Everett and his team, who showed meticulous attention to every architectural and aesthetic detail.
Overcoming a steep driveway and the lack of crane access, the team creatively navigated logistical obstacles using scaffolding and strategic planning. Built within budget and completed on time, the home now features upgraded bedrooms, modernised bathrooms, and enhanced exterior finishes that elevate the entire property.
Client Testimonial: “We first heard of Excel builders from neighbours for whom Excel completed a beautiful new bathroom and extension to an exceptionally high standard. This was achieved to an amazing standard. The upstairs bathroom has to be seen to be believed… The sunlit book-nook created under the Velux window on the stairs is a favourite haunt for the kids. Throughout, Russell and his team were polite, courteous and considerate. Everything was completed to a very high standard, with nothing less than the best being acceptable.” – Steve Petley
Tim Phillips: “This loft conversion is simply stunning… 30% increase in floor space, sunlit reading area, enviable master bathroom… exceptional carpentry/joinery… beautiful aesthetics earned this a ‘favourite’ from me.”
Medium Renovation Project Winner: Atlantic Dwellings Limited – Penarth
Atlantic Dwellings Limited transformed a compact Penarth home into a light-filled, industrial-meets-modern family haven. The project included demolition and a new kitchen/diner/living area, along with a mezzanine home office. Despite the challenges of a narrow access route and structural instability in the original rear annex, the team delivered a truly unique renovation that felt both expansive and intimate.
A standout feature is the large triangular roof light with expressed structural rafters that filter sunlight in dynamic ways. From polished concrete floors to a bespoke timber feature wall and repurposed skateboard lighting, the space is playful, functional and architecturally daring.
Client Testimonial: “What a great team, the guys were brilliant and incredibly hard working. One thing that makes them stand out from the others is their consistency and timekeeping. It was helpful as Paul was very flexible around my work commitments which helped greatly for the regular project meetings.” – Damien & Hannah Hatton
Joanne Ridout: “Absolutely stunning… mezzanine is a wonderful way to create usable space… visually pleasing and practical.”
Tim Phillips: “Design objective absolutely achieved… special features like triangular windows, exposed rafters, planted wall… Lego used to mock up the roof — brilliant!”
Large Renovation Project Winner: Project One Design & Management – Caerphilly Mountain
In what can only be described as a futuristic dream home, Project One Design & Management reimagined a bungalow into a tech-forward luxury residence on Caerphilly Mountain. Powered by Control4, the home features voice-activated systems inside and out, 92 integrated speakers, four cinema zones, and custom Xylo joinery. The project also includes a bespoke spa, intelligent lighting, and high-end fixtures sourced from Armani, Missomni, and Gaggenau.
To achieve this vision, the team demolished half the house and erected a steel frame, navigated extensive cabling across two acres, and built multiple plant rooms. From the floating kitchen island to the scalloped slate cladding and concealed sound systems, the build is a masterclass in complexity and creativity.
Client Testimonial: “Watching Skyfall leave paper and become reality has been the high point of my life.”
Joanne Ridout: “A transformation that is breath-taking… a visual feast… conceived and constructed to the highest level.”
Tim Phillips: “Mind-boggling Bond-style transformation… tech features like 92 garden speakers… kitchen with Molteni island and Gaggenau suite… one of my top 3.”
Kitchen Project Winner: Project One Design & Management – Cardiff
In Cardiff, Project One delivered an exquisite kitchen extension blending high-end function and artistic form. Custom-made cabinets crafted from Italian Xylo boards, Gaggenau appliances, and a brass Rimex-coated island elevate the culinary space. Bespoke lighting from Lee Broom and a cleverly disguised slatted wall concealing the utility room reveal the team’s flair for thoughtful design.
Every detail was executed to the highest standard, including a single-piece roof light installed without crane access and a fully integrated Sonos sound system. The plaster mouldings and floor tiles were custom-designed, with every visual line carefully considered.
Client Testimonial: “WOW! That’s all we can say! We didn’t think we’d find this level of work and design in Cardiff… Seeing our kitchen on the Lee Broom website and social media was huge bragging rights!” – Hugh Jewsbury
Joanne Ridout: “Utterly breathtaking… elegant and visually seamless… slatted wall links spaces… the difference from before to after is remarkable.”
Tim Phillips: “Client felt like celebrities… appliances built to spec… bespoke storage and mirrored base island… would be a thoroughly deserving winner.”
Bathroom Project Winner: Talbot Green Construction & Landscaping – Penarth
Talbot Green Construction & Landscaping transformed a former bedroom in a Victorian property into a hotel-inspired en suite bathroom, complete with a sauna, walk-in shower, and freestanding marble bath. Balancing modern luxury with historical sensitivity, the team reinstated period panelling and cornices alongside contemporary marble finishes.
Structural challenges such as removing load-bearing walls and levelling uneven floors were expertly handled. An MF grid ceiling allowed for clean service routing, creating a sleek finish.
Client Testimonial: “Working with Talbot Green Construction couldn’t have been easier from start to finish. The wealth of experience they brought to the project proved invaluable… Their attention to detail was second to none and we could not be happier with the end result.” – R. Morgan
Joanne Ridout: “Simply stunning and so elegant… a transformation that will still look stunning in 100 years… solutions required to change space were impressive.”
Tim Phillips: “Execution and delivery… what a job they did… images could be taken from a five-star hotel suite… a favourite shortlist and worthy of this award.”
Commercial/Public Sector Project Winner: R & M Williams – Palace Theatre, Swansea
R & M Williams undertook the monumental task of restoring Swansea’s derelict Grade II-listed Palace Theatre, transforming it into a collaborative tech and events hub. Once a crumbling shell, the building now features six floors of restored history, flexible workspaces, and retained theatre character – including salvaged stage equipment, bricks, and ornamental ironwork.
Navigating a pandemic, unstable structures, and hundreds of design unknowns, the team worked hand-in-hand with Swansea Council and Cadw to preserve and reinvent the landmark.
Client Testimonial: “This project concluded as a far more challenging endeavour than anyone had ever imagined… RMW acknowledged project challenges and brought on-board the right team-members. They were approachable, understood the issues and wanted to work with us and the Design Team to find the right solutions for successful delivery.” – Tracy Nichols, Swansea Council
Joanne Ridout: “On the brink of being lost forever… now a massive success… a leading light to other owners.”
Tim Phillips: “Grade II theatre in dangerous disrepair… now state-of-the-art flexible space… this nomination justifies its place in my favourites.”
Sustainable Building Award Winner: MJ Construction – Cardiff
MJ Construction delivered a showstopping sustainable build by extending and updating a period farmhouse into a future-ready eco-home. The project incorporated air-source heat pumps, rainwater harvesting, a private water borehole, and a subterranean kitchen extension with a living roof. The house is entirely off-grid for water and garden power, a rare feat in residential construction.
Despite the challenges of a remote, weather-exposed site, MJ Construction maintained efficient delivery and constant client engagement. The outdoor space includes a landscaped garden, infinity pool, and fire pit – making the entire home a showcase of comfort, engineering, and environmental responsibility.
Client Testimonial: “With Mike’s dedication and guidance this development was organic, with minimal stress and inconvenience… the whole experience was enjoyable and our opinions felt heard and we were supported as his clients.”
Joanne Ridout: “Ticks so many sustainable and future-proof boxes… reusing materials, local sourcing, salvaging… only small electricity needs — commendable.”
Tim Phillips: “Dream became a fantastic reality… engineering and mechanical detailing exceptional… phenomenally well-designed and executed.”
Apprentice of the Year: Callum Jones, MJ Construction
Callum Jones is a shining example of resilience and potential realised. Joining MJ Construction at 16 as a labourer, Callum has grown into a talented carpenter through sheer determination, hard work, and mentorship. Now studying towards Level 3, Callum dedicates weekends to perfecting his skills and actively supports his team on high-end projects.
Overcoming a difficult upbringing and personal loss, Callum is admired by colleagues and clients alike. His story is a testament to the power of opportunity, mentorship and perseverance.
Employer Testimonial: “Everyone likes having him as part of our team… He is talented, driven and deserves to succeed in life! He’s earned it through grit, determination, self-drive and self-belief.” – Michael Lewis, MJ Construction
Business of the Year: Davies Contractors Ltd
Davies Contractors Ltd stood out for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and team development. With 140 staff and a digital-first approach, the company boosted project efficiency by 25% through the Joblogic platform. Their Green Building Initiative aims to cut carbon emissions by 30% by 2025, while their Davies Development Program invests in skills and leadership for all employees.
Amid economic uncertainty and supply chain challenges, Davies Contractors diversified their sourcing and supported the regional economy through local partnerships. Their resilience, ethical leadership, and client-first mentality make them an exemplary force in the Welsh construction sector.
Outstanding Builder of the Year: Excel Home Design Ltd
Russell Everett and the entire team at Excel Home Design have been honoured as Outstanding Builder of the Year. From their visionary designs to flawless delivery, the team is known for exceptional attention to detail and relentless client care. Their most recent project – a barn conversion with vaulted ceilings, bi-fold doors and a hidden utility suite – is a masterclass in elegant, functional design.
Excel’s values go beyond the build site. The company mentors apprentices, supports local youth teams, and maintains strong ties with the community.
Client Testimonial: “Russell and his team have taken full ownership and responsibility for the entire project since day one… Russell’s commitment to training and mentoring of the next generation is evident… Excel represent the very best of the construction industry.” – Anonymous Client
