In this article we cover:

  • Images and details of the Housebuilder Award
  • Renovation Project, Kitchen Project and Bathroom Project winners

A range of master builders were rewarded at the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) NI Awards.

G M Construction won the ultimate prize, the Housebuilder Award, for a contemporary countryside home that masterfully balances bold design with rural tradition.

The home takes inspiration from the classic courtyard farmyard layout: a series of pitched roof forms grouped around a sheltered, south-west-facing courtyard. The variation in ridge heights and use of white render, dark grey cladding and slate roofing echo the region’s rural vernacular while giving the build a sleek, modern edge.

Designed with intent, the home separates living and sleeping zones across single and 1.5-storey elements. A vaulted kitchen ceiling with visible ribbed rafters adds height and character, reinforcing the barn-style aesthetic.

Other highlights from the awards include:

Medium Renovation Project – Federation of Master Builders Award 2025: R & K Matthews Building Contractors

The project involved the extension and renovation of a 1960s bungalow with a retro aesthetic; the challenges included removing walls, installing a large corner lintel, and constructing the deck on a 45-degree slope with backfilled ground, which was achieved using ground screws.

Kitchen Project – Federation of Master Builders Award 2025: Schofield Construction

Key highlights of this project include the custom-made birch plywood cabinets, sleek quartz worktops with a breakfast bar, and underfloor heating.

Schofield Construction overcame challenges pertaining to the sewers located directly underneath the kitchen, upgrading insulation in the vaulted ceiling, and creating custom window surrounds.

Bathroom Project – – Federation of Master Builders Award 2025: Schofield Construction

This bathroom is part of the wider renovation of a 100-year-old farmhouse with uneven walls and dated infrastructure.

Sustainable Building – Federation of Master Builders Award 2025: Setanta Ltd

Driven by the client’s deep expertise in renewable energy, this project focused entirely on creating an all-electric, ultra-efficient home.