A Carlisle builder is celebrating a double success in a prestigious industry awards.
McKnight and Son, based in Junction Street, Carlisle, came out on top in the House Builder Award and Medium Renovation Project categories at the 2021 Northern Counties Master Builder Awards earlier this month.
It picked up the Medium Renovation Project award for an extension on a 400-year-old Grade II Listed barn in Taupin Skail, Ratten Row near Dalston.
The company created a new kitchen/day room and shower room in the modern flat-roofed extension and successfully blended this with the original 17th-century barn, transforming the old kitchen into an office and utility room.
Judges praised McKnight for constructing a “beautiful, functional, contemporary extension”.
The Housebuilder Award was given in recognition of its work building a sustainable new home in Scotby complete with digitally controlled heat pumps and an integrated heat recovery system to maximise energy efficiency. Recycled materials were also used to reduce waste while others were sourced locally.
The house features a designer kitchen, handmade staircase, en-suite bathrooms and a balcony from the master bedroom with views to the northern Lake District fells. The property includes state-of-the-art multiple sound zones, lighting systems and underfloor heating all controlled at the touch of a button.
McKnight and Son worked closely with Carlisle-based firm, Black Box Architects, on both award-winning projects.
The awards are designed to showcase craftsmanship and building excellence from members of the Federation of Master Builders.
The company will now go on to compete against other winners across the UK for a national title in the categories, with the winners announced at a virtual ceremony on September 24.
Wayne McKnight, managing director of McKnight and Son Builders, said: “We’re so pleased that we were able to win not one, but two awards at the 2021 Northern Counties Master Builder Awards.
“We always take pride in our work and these awards recognise the great teamwork and craftsmanship of everyone involved in the projects.”
Caroline Meehan, director of FMB North, said: “Outstanding projects, workmanship, and attention to clients’ needs are characteristic of our Northern Counties Master Builders.
“McKnight and Son Builders have delivered two brilliant builds, extending and creating wonderful family homes.
“After a really tough year for small builders, it’s brilliant to see so much affection for their great work.”
