TV presenter Nick Knowles announced the winners to the delight of the Aberdeenshire-based team, who were congratulated for transforming a tumbledown shambles of nineteen century croft buildings into a stunning family home.

The awards recognise building excellence, quality craftsmanship, and exceptional customer service, and are run by the Federation of Master Builders, the largest trade association in the UK construction sector which is this year celebrating its 80th anniversary.

Coldwells Building Company turned an 1860s granite cottage, neighbouring byre and added slate-clad extension from the 1970s into a bright and open family home, with a modern timber and glass extension. The firm salvaged as many materials as they could from the existing and nearby sites including rafters, slate and granite, and were recognised by the judges for overcoming the challenge of marrying old and new.

The 150-year-old property suffered from a lack of light and living space, but clever design and construction conquered those issues to create a modern home. Outstanding features of the renovation include openings being carved into the granite walls to provide space for expansive glazing to flood the property with light, built-in birch cabinetry and the creation of a large open plan living space by removing the cottage’s original floors.

Coldwells had to deal with drainage problems, uneven flooring and even woodworm while renovating the property, but managed to complete the project on time and to budget so their clients could celebrate their first Christmas as a family-of-four in their new home.

Ross Booth, director of Coldwells Building Company Ltd, said: “This project was a huge team effort and thanks goes to our supremely talented employees, subcontractors, architect partners and wonderful clients who poured their heart and soul into it. This is one of the first major awards we have won, and as a small family business, it certainly means a lot to us. The trophy will take pride of place on the shelf. We are thrilled and honoured to have been recognised by the Federation of Master Builders and we are grateful to the award sponsors for making it happen.”

Caroline Grumble, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Building, and National Judge for this category, said: “This project had the edge because of the good use of the glass and timber, the old and the new, coming together so sympathetically for the environment in which it was delivered.”

Lee Jones, editor of Professional Builder, and also a National Judge, added: “It impressed me how hard Coldwells had worked with the client to keep the project to budget… while producing a really impressive finish. It’s a beautiful looking place.”