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2025 BUILDING CRAFTS AWARD SPONSORED BY PILBEAM CONSTRUCTION AND SUSSEX ASPHALTE LTD

An example of high-quality work by a craftsperson using traditional skills or crafts.

Click on any image to view a larger version. The photographs in the Building Crafts section show details of the finished project, unless described otherwise.

CATEGORY WINNERS

KITCHEN

NIGEL JEFFERY FOR WORK TO CORTEN HOUSE

FRAMFIELD

With over 35 years of expertise in carpentry and bespoke timber design, Nigel Jeffery played a defining role in the renovation of Corten House. He transformed a single kiln-dried tree into a sculptural kitchen island and custom tables, preserving the natural wany edges. Meticulous craftsmanship extended to precision-matched joinery, discreet pocket doors, and seamless oak wall panelling with hidden access points. A raw steel RSJ beam was repurposed as a striking shelf, celebrating honest materials and refined, functional design.

For more information about the project and other involved parties please see full listing for Corten House in Small Scale Residential: Restoration, Conversion and Extension category.


Submitted by: Rexstone Builders Ltd. www.rexstonebuilders.co.uk
Craftsperson: Nigel Jeffery, Rexstone Builders Ltd.

© Julia Toms Photography

CRAFTSPERSON

CARL MASTERS FOR WORK TO PADDOCK HOUSE

ITCHENOR

Carl Masters and his team hand-laid over 280 tonnes of natural stone to create the distinctive façade of this new family home. Their meticulous craftsmanship delivered precise detailing, including dry-stone effect walling, heavyweight stone lintels, and crisp cornerwork. Working in a coastal setting, the team combined traditional stonemasonry techniques with sustainable materials to meet modern performance standards. Their commitment and skill showcase the enduring value of heritage craftsmanship in contemporary construction.

For more information about the project and other involved parties please see full listing for Paddock House in Small Scale Residential: New Build category.


Submitted by: Randell Design Group. www.randelldesigngroup.com | King & Drury Construction Ltd. www.kinganddrury.com
Craftsperson: Carl Masters, Masters Brickwork and Stonemasonry. www.mastersbrickworkstonemasonry.co.uk

TOBY NEIL FOR WORK TO LITTLE HAM BARN

CHICHESTER

The restoration of a historic barn oak frame showcases outstanding traditional craftsmanship. Toby carefully replaced decayed exterior timbers using hand-cut oak posts and knees, preserving the original twisted header beam. Each component was crafted and fitted on-site using heritage methods, with materials sourced locally for authenticity. A new truss, forged fittings from a blacksmith, and scribed joints all reflect a deep respect for the barn’s character. Meticulous work ensures the structure’s longevity while maintaining its original charm and historic integrity.

For more information about the project and other involved parties please see full listing for Little Ham Barn in Small Scale Residential: Restoration, Conversion and Extension category.


Submitted by: Joseph James Construction. www.josephjames.uk
Craftsperson: Toby Neil, Carpentry Conversions.

LIAM O’NEIL FOR WORK TO THE SWAN INN

FITTLEWORTH

The roofing work at The Swan Inn, a historic building dating back to 1382, required extensive restoration due to previous poor repairs. The project involved re-roofing with Horsham stone slates and Keymer clay tiles, ensuring consistency with the original structure. The work included intricate lead details, including large box gutters, dormers, and chimney flashings, all crafted to the highest standards using premium materials.

Traditional techniques were used, including lime mortar and lead sheet work, preserving the building’s historic integrity.

For more information about the project and other involved parties please see full listing for The Swan Inn in Commercial category.


Submitted by: Lion Roofing. www.lionroofing.co.uk
Craftsperson: Liam O’Neill, Lion Roofing.

BEFORE

LUKASZ PIOTROWSKI FOR WORK TO ARLINGTON MEADOWS

POLEGATE

Master Thatcher restored a complex and highly detailed thatched roof using traditional, non-invasive techniques and natural reed and straw. The project, located within the South Downs National Park, presented significant technical challenges, including intricate eaves and numerous window details, all of which were executed with precision. The work reflects a rare craft that requires authenticity and skill.

For more information about the project and other involved parties please see full listing for Arlington Meadows in Small Scale Residential: Restoration, Conversion and Extension category.


Submitted by: Emily Boughton-Leigh, Owner.
Craftsperson: Lukasz Piotrowski, Quality Thatching Ltd. www.qualitythatching.co.uk

BEFORE

LUKASZ PIOTROWSKI FOR WORK TO THE COTTAGE RESTAURANT HAILSHAM

HAILSHAM

The Cottage Restaurant, a well-known local landmark on the Polegate Bypass, had suffered from years of poor thatching work. The roof was in disrepair until it was fully restored using traditional skills. The front elevation was stripped to its base and rethatched with water reed, finished with a wrap-over block ridge. Galvanised wire netting was applied to all slopes for protection. The result is a restored thatched roof that returns the building to its former glory.


Submitted by: Quality Thatching Ltd. www.qualitythatching.co.uk.
Craftsperson: Lukasz Piotrowski, Quality Thatching Ltd.

© Dronescope

© WSCB Limited

Roof

JASON PRATT FOR WORK TO BEACH HOUSE

WEST SUSSEX

Jason demonstrated meticulous craftsmanship in constructing a complex wave-like roof and curved staircase for a seafront home designed by Simon Gill Architects. Drawing on his background in joinery and boat building, he taught advanced ply lamination techniques to his team and overcame challenging detailing and weatherproofing requirements. Meticulous execution elevated the project to deliver a home that celebrates traditional skill in modern design.

For more information about the project and other involved parties please see full listing for Beach House in Small Scale Residential: New Build category.


Submitted by: West Sussex Carpentry & Building Limited. www.wscb.co.uk
Craftsperson: Jason Pratt, West Sussex Carpentry & Building Limited.

ROB QUAYLE FOR WORK TO MARLOW HOUSE

LINDFIELD

The project brief focused on recreating the traditional methods used in the original construction of the house while preserving its structural integrity. Traditional lime plaster techniques were applied to form curved corners and subtly box in new pipework, crafting individual panels within the existing oak frame. The meticulous attention to detail throughout the restoration has ensured the home’s longevity, allowing its historic character to endure for generations to come.

For more information about the project and other involved parties please see full listing for Marlow House in Small Scale Residential: Restoration, Conversion and Extension category.


Submitted by: Southern Contractors. www.southern-contractors.co.uk
Craftsperson: Rob Quayle, Southern Contractors.

BEFORE

TOM SHRUBB FOR WORK TO CAKEHAM MANOR

WEST WITTERING

Tom played a vital role in the conservation of a complex Grade II* listed and Scheduled Ancient Monument, demonstrating growth from labourer to skilled mason. Working alongside experienced craftspeople, he undertook intricate tasks such as repointing, brick and stone replacement, rebuilding, and blending new work with historic fabric using traditional lime techniques. His ability to adapt to the varied demands of the project, including Tudor brickwork and ashlar repairs, reflects both dedication and a fast-developing mastery of historic masonry.


Submitted by: W J Cove. www.wjcove.co.uk | Simpson Brickwork Conservation Ltd. Details on request
Craftsperson: Tom Shrubb, Simpson Brickwork Conservation Ltd.

© Cover Storey Architects

© King and Drury Construction

CRAFTSPERSON

DANNY STEEL FOR WORK TO WEST WITTERING SAFETY AND FACILITIES HUB

WEST WITTERING

Expert copper craftsmanship was vital to the success of the West Wittering Lifeguard Station, a contemporary coastal facility featuring intricate copper cladding. Using traditional techniques like soldering and hand-welting, Danny Steel delivered complex details including a curved fin-shaped window, standing seam cladded doors, and a precision-formed sun visor roof. His skill, dedication, and collaborative spirit ensured a flawless finish in challenging coastal conditions, showcasing copper’s versatility and elevating this modern structure into an architectural landmark rooted in craftsmanship.

For more information about the project and other involved parties please see full listing for West Wittering Safety and Facilities Hub in Public & Community category.


Submitted by: Cover Storey Architects. www.coverstorey.co.uk
Craftsperson: Danny Steel, EBM Roofing. www.ebmroofingltd.co.uk

HIGHLY COMMENDED

BEFORE

KYLE EDWARDS FOR WORK TO ST JOHN’S PRIORY

POLING, ARUNDEL

At Grade I-listed St John’s Priory, Kyle Edwards played a key role in the meticulous 10-month restoration of the rare Papier-mâché ceiling in the former chapel turned 17th-century drawing room. Following extensive research into this unique craft, Kyle carefully removed, repaired, and reinstated damaged sections and stripped away layers of overpainting to restore its original definition. Working alongside heritage specialists, the project also included lime plastering, skirting reinstatement, and timber floor restoration, ensuring this extraordinary space is preserved for future generations.


Submitted by: Manorwood. www.manorwood.co.uk
Craftsperson: Kyle Edwards, South Downs Decorators. www.south-downs-decorators.co.uk

INTERIOR

JAMES FILBY FOR WORK TO THE GRANARY

BRIGHTON

The project aimed to transform a 19th-century curtilage-listed granary into a modern family home while preserving its agricultural heritage. The original timber frame was restored using traditional carpentry techniques and the brickwork enhanced with flint detailing, blending modern features with the building’s rustic charm. The result is a careful restoration executed with respect to the building’s history.

For more information about the project and other involved parties please see full listing for The Granary in Small Scale Residential: Restoration, Conversion and Extension category.


Submitted by: archangels ARCHITECTS. www.aaarchitects.co.uk
Craftsperson: James Filby, Filby Builders. www.filbybuilders.co.uk

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