A construction company from Whitland has picked up a top industry award from TV presenter Nick Knowles - in recognition of its work transforming a derelict dance hall into a modern family home.
Wyn Davies Building & Roofing Contractor picked up the accolade at the Federation of Master Builders’ (FMB) 2023 national Master Builder Awards, hosted by TV presenter Nick Knowles and held at Grosvenor House in London on Friday, September 22.
The awards recognise excellence in the region’s small and medium-sized construction companies and are run by the FMB, the largest trade association in the UK construction sector.
Wyn Davies won the Medium Renovation Project for remodeling the existing structure of falling-apart Carmarthen dance hall to create a contemporary family home.
The old hall formed part of the Alltyferin Estate, which was developed by Lord Henry of Bath so locals could enjoy live music and dancing.
Several of the hall’s unique features have been reimagined by Wyn Davies to bring the space into the 21st century while retaining its much-loved traditional character.
The double height space and gallery has been transformed into a grand entrance hall, the dance hall upstairs has been maintained as an open-plan living space, and all the original stonework has been restored.
The client Michael Williams said: “Lord Henry of Bath would be proud of the completed build,” adding that the family couldn’t have imagined the restoration ‘turning out better,’ and that they have achieved their ‘dream home.’
Judges praised an ‘amazing transformation…good quality of finish and craftsmanship,’ which have brought this ‘dilapidated building back into use for the next generation.’
Wyn said: “Winning this award is the highlight of my career - it’s tremendous!
“We took on this project through Covid and we had some challenging times but we pushed through and eventually got there and managed to finish it.”
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB said: “This is a remarkable renovation project, revitalising a historic site and creating a modern and stylish house.
“What is particularly impressive is that they’ve managed to build a dream family home, while retaining many of the unique characteristics of this former community space. Wyn Davies Building & Roofing can be proud of what they’ve achieved.”