CATEGORY WINNERS
JOHN CLIFFORD FOR LIME RE-POINTING WITH IRON STONE GALLETTING
FITTLEWORTH
This project demonstrates skilled conservation expertise in stabilising and restoring a neglected stone façade and buttress. Joints were carefully raked out to significant depth, with damaged masonry sensitively replaced. Repointing was undertaken using traditional hot-mix lime mortar, requiring precise timing and material knowledge. Ironstone galleting was expertly bedded into the joints, enhancing both durability and appearance. Controlled curing and finishing techniques ensured the mortar performed effectively, reflecting a high level of craftsmanship and understanding of historic building methods.
Submitted by: Cocoon Exterior Works
Craftsperson: John Clifford
JOE COBDEN FOR WORK TO BEACH HOUSE
CHICHESTER
This coastal home project highlights exceptional craftsmanship, particularly in advanced carpentry and the sensitive use of traditional methods. High-quality and reclaimed materials were expertly integrated, most notably recycled oak from Brighton Pier, which demanded precision and patience to shape and install. The balcony and sea terrace showcase meticulous workmanship designed to endure harsh coastal conditions. Under Joe Cobden’s leadership, exacting standards and refined finishing skills ensured a durable, visually striking home of outstanding quality.
Submitted by: West Sussex Carpentry and Building
Craftsperson: Joe Cobden
TOM CROFT FOR WORK TO REGNUM PLACE
CHICHESTER
The team at Pinnacle Works delivered exceptional craftsmanship in transforming two flats into a seamless, high-spec home. Central to the project was a bespoke solid oak spiral staircase, handcrafted on site by Tom Croft, demanding precise setting out, advanced joinery, and deep understanding of timber behaviour. Intricate carpentry throughout concealed services and unified the space, demonstrating outstanding technical skill, coordination, and refined finishing to achieve a cohesive, high-quality interior.
Submitted by: Pinnacle Works Ltd
Craftsperson Tom Croft
MATHEW HILL FOR WORK TO BOW END BARN
BILLINGHURST
Bow End Barn at Pear Tree Farm was restored through a conservation-led approach that transformed a derelict agricultural building into a sustainable family home while preserving its historic character. Significant structural repairs, traditional materials, and sympathetic detailing ensured compatibility with the original fabric and compliance with modern regulations. Off-grid renewable energy systems, reclaimed materials, and breathable construction methods supported environmental sustainability. The project successfully combines heritage conservation, craftsmanship, and ecological responsibility, creating a functional home that respects both the historic farmstead and surrounding landscape.
Submitted by: Tracey Poulton Pear Tree Farm
Craftsperson: Matthew Hill
DARREN MILLS, ARCHER STONE, FOR WORK TO HERSTMONCEUX CASTLE
HAILSHAM
Herstmonceux Castle, a Scheduled Monument and Grade I Listed Building, underwent major masonry repairs to stabilise its decayed south gatehouse parapets. Investigations revealed inadequate historic repairs, requiring dismantling and reconstruction using salvaged brick and stone. Archer Stone Restoration collaborated with consultants, contractors, Historic England, and the client throughout. Traditional masonry and lime mortar techniques were used alongside concealed structural strengthening. Over 300 bespoke stone elements and matching bricks were produced, ensuring sensitive restoration of this nationally significant medieval building while preserving its historic character and structural integrity.
Submitted by: Valley Builders Limited
Craftsperson: Darren Mills
LIAM O’NEILL FOR WORK AT PECKHAMS
ARUNDEL
Peckhams’ restoration demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship in preserving a building dating to circa 1405. The roof was meticulously stripped, with each Horsham stone catalogued, dressed, and relaid by hand in a traditional pattern. Skilled repairs to historic timbers, lime mortar work, and oak elements ensured structural integrity and breathability. New lead flashings were expertly formed, and traditional materials carefully matched, reflecting a deep respect for historic techniques and precise, high-quality workmanship throughout.
Submitted by: Lion Roofing
Craftsperson: Liam O’Neill
JOHN ZIELINSKI, JP HERITAGE CONSTRUCTION, FOR WORK TO HERSTMONCEUX CASTLE
HAILSHAM
The reconstruction of the tower bay ceiling at Herstmonceux Castle showcases the exceptional skill of John Zielinski. Working without original moulds, he used precise mathematical setting-out, bespoke profiles, and hand-run plaster techniques to recreate the intricate pendentive ceiling. Each of the 63 elements was meticulously formed and assembled, achieving an exact match to the historic design while preserving the fragile original fabric—an outstanding demonstration of traditional craftsmanship and technical mastery.
Submitted by: Valley Builders Ltd
Craftsperson: John Zielinski
HIGHLY COMMENDED
JARROD BERRY FOR WORK TO HARTING DOWN
MIDHURST
Traditional masonry skills shaped the project, with site-won stone from excavations carefully sorted, dressed, and reused for new walls. Original masonry was repaired using breathable materials to protect long-term fabric health and moisture performance. AIM’s craftspeople collaborated closely with clients to maintain traditional techniques, blending bespoke mortars and sourcing ironstone gallets, reclaimed bricks, and roof tiles for visual continuity. Hand-finished detailing ensured authenticity without pastiche. The result is a disciplined, collaborative restoration that combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary construction standards.
Submitted by: AIM Heritage & Development
Craftsperson: Jarrod Berry
HARRY GODMAN-DORINGTON FOR WORK TO WOODCOTE FARMHOUSE
GRAFFHAM
Harry Godman-Dorington a young joiner and nephew to the owners, was briefed to make the more bespoke joinery for the farmhouse. To create vernacular designs from oak home-milled on the farm. Elements include; the beautifully crafted front porch, front door and side door fitted within a historic archway. The results are superbly executed and help to really secure the Sussex Farmhouse character which the project seeks to achieve in this Downland setting.
Submitted by: Pauline Sutton Design
Craftsperson: Harry Godman-Dorington