2025 Small Renovation Project national winner: I J Curry & Son Limited

National winner: I J Curry & Son 

I J Curry & Son have won the Small Renovation Project category for their exceptional work in transforming a Victorian Lakeland stone building into a wonderful family dwelling. The project's main objective was to remodel the ground and upper floor apartments, a task that required significant structural and design input from the team to realise the owner's vision.

The clients, who were actively involved and living on-site, remained a key part of the build process thanks to this builder's collaborative approach. The team expertly managed this and maintained a high-standard finish throughout the build. They showcased incredible resourcefulness by salvaging and repurposing materials. For example, they used Lakeland stone reclaimed from garden walls to match the raised roof profile, and they extended existing oak flooring with specially cut boards.

The project was not without its challenges; the team had to overcome technical difficulties posed by irregular angles when creating the new roof structure and staircase. They also faced unforeseen issues pertaining to the building's poor initial construction and a water leak impacting a neighbour's property. The team's flexible approach, along with their skilled problem-solving and excellent coordination with contractors, allowed them to overcome these obstacles without compromising the final result. Their commitment to communication, especially with the on-site clients, ensured a smooth process and an outstanding new home full of character.