D&J Project Management wins prestigious FMB award for pioneering retrofit

An ambitious collaboration between D&J Project Management Ltd. (Essex-based) and Cambridge’s Property Revolutions Ltd. (PRL) has delivered an award-winning retrofit project, recognised at the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Regional Master Builder Awards 2025.

The Cambridgeshire project, known as Millhouse, scooped the Sustainable Building Award for its innovative “Warm Core” retrofit strategy, transforming a draughty 1920s family home into a highly efficient, future-proof property, without sacrificing its traditional character.

The judging panel praised the project’s technical ingenuity and execution, noting:

“The "Warm Core" strategy focused on upgrading the central part of the house with advanced energy-saving measures… Challenges included tight deadlines and extreme weather, but the project was completed on time. The approach emphasises sustainability with the use of local materials, waste recycling, and renewable energy solutions”.

A showcase for UK retrofit excellence

At the heart of the award-winning project was a bold retrofit vision developed by Carl Dodd and the PRL design team, and expertly delivered on site by Dave Clay and the D&J Project Management Ltd. team.

The “Warm Core” approach targeted the oldest, coldest section of the home, using airtight construction, advanced insulation, solar PV with battery storage, an air-source heat pump, and underfloor heating. Together, these measures achieved a 70% reduction in carbon emissions, lifted the property’s EPC rating from G to C, and created a comfortable, year-round family home. To achieve airtightness, the team used Passive Purple - an innovative spray-on vapour control layer developed by Intelligent Membranes, a UK company whose products are increasingly used in high-performance retrofits.

Collaboration delivers results

This isn’t the first time the partnership has been recognised at the highest level. Property Revolutions Limited previously won the FMB Eastern Region Large Renovation Project Award in 2021 for its sympathetic transformation of a dated Victorian property. That project was hailed by judges as:

“A stunning yet clever renovation, transforming a largely unaltered Victorian home into a sympathetically restored, well-performing, nearly zero-carbon home using a fabric-first approach combined with modern technology and traditional craftsmanship.”

PRL’s award-winning design expertise, combined with D&J Project Management’s delivery capability, has once again demonstrated the power of collaboration in tackling the UK’s toughest retrofit challenges.

Dave Clay, Director of D&J Project Management, said:
“We’re proud to have been recognised with this award. Retrofits like Millhouse prove what can be achieved with a committed client, a strong design, and the right team. It’s a model we want to see replicated across the UK.”

Carl Dodd, Director of PRL, added:
“This project shows that deep retrofit can be elegant, affordable, and life-changing. By focusing investment where it makes the most difference, we’ve demonstrated a practical route to net zero for traditional homes.”

A project with national impact

The project also highlights the power of sustainable construction to tackle two of the UK’s most pressing challenges: reducing household carbon emissions, and making older housing stock fit for the future.

By retrofitting, in order to improve the efficiency of current homes, sustainable construction helps the UK meet its commitment to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions and achieve Net Zero by 2050.

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Notes to Editors -

Award: FMB Regional Master Builder Awards 2025 – Sustainable Building Award (Central Region).
Winners: D&J Project Management (Award winner) - & Property Revolutions Ltd. provided design and retrofit strategy.

Project: “Millhouse” retrofit, Cambridgeshire.
Key achievements:
- 70% carbon reduction
- EPC rating raised from G to C
- Renewable energy integration (solar PV, battery storage, ASHP)
- Fabric-first design retaining original charm
Track record: PRL also won the FMB Eastern Region Large Renovation Project Award in 2021 for its innovative retrofit of a Victorian home, in collaboration with Dave Clay (who was sub-contracted via OPL).
The project was made possible through the expertise of a committed supply chain, recognised below:

Intelligent Membranes - provided Passive Purple, the spray-on airtightness solution used to create the warm core.

LCS - installed solar PV and battery storage.

TH Electrical Ltd. – installed the air-source heat pump and MVHR system.

Victorian Plumbing – supplied the luxurious bathroom.

Howdens – this Award-winning company supplied the kitchen.

Enlightened Windows - supplied the timber frame windows and doors.

For interviews, images or further information, please contact:

D&J Project Management: david@djprojectmanagement.co.uk

Property Revolutions Ltd.: info@property-revolutions.co.uk