BUILD Design & Build Awards 2025 AIM-Jul25286 BUILD Q4 2025 Colinwell Masonry’s vision is to become the number one supplier of concrete products and retaining wall systems. Guided by values of Innovation, Passion, and Quality, it creates spaces that shape people’s lifestyles – how they live, how they work, how they learn, and how they connect. We speak to Sales Director, Michael McGuigan, following Colinwell being named Best Retaining Wall Manufacturer & Distributor 2025 - UK & Ireland. 145 Years of the Finest Concrete Products Contact Details: Company name: Colinwell Masonry Contact name: Georgia McKnight Email: [email protected] Website: www.colinwell.com Ever since its establishment 145 years ago, Colinwell Masonry has remained at the same site in Belfast, and its products have helped shape some of the UK’s most recognisable buildings. This legacy continues to push the company to raise the bar – in design, in quality, and in the positive role it plays in the places it helps to build. With such a history behind it, Michael tells us that long-term thinking has become second nature for the company. “We’ve seen how closely our work is tied to the environment and the communities around us, and we feel a real responsibility to protect both. Sustainability is built into everything we do – from using local and recycled materials, to reducing waste and emissions, and actively managing our site to support biodiversity. Our ISO 14001 certification is a reflection of that commitment.” Colinwell is proud to deliver high-performance concrete products and retaining wall systems, backed by expert technical support, reliable service, a commitment to long-term quality. For the company, it’s about being a true partner. From early-stage specification right through to technical support, its team collaborate with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure every solution is tailored perfectly to the project needs while meeting the highest standards. Furthermore, a big part of what makes Colinwell so unique is that it is an exclusive UK and Ireland manufacturer and supplier of the Allan Block retaining wall system. Michael tells us, “It’s a global market-leading product known for its versatility, durability, and easy installation and we back it up with responsive support, CPD training, and design guidance that really helps our clients get the most from their projects.” Michael goes on to tell us about a recent project that the company is proud of – Miller Homes’ Areley Common Residential Development. Colinwell stepped in and helped Miller Homes as, Michael explains, it “faced a familiar challenge: managing tiered landscape that sloped upwards from the entrance, continuing to bank over the hill.” He continues, “Miller Homes required a more cost-effective and efficient solution to traditional masonry retaining walls. They needed a system that was robust, aesthetically pleasing, and practical to install on a busy site.” Thus, Colinwell worked closely with Miller Homes from the earliest stages of the development, offering expert consultation and a free sitespecific preliminary design service. This early engagement allowed the team to demonstrate how the Allan Block retaining wall system could outperform traditional masonry – in terms of cost, speed of construction, long-term durability, and sustainability. Being a dry-build, mortarfree solution, the system minimises waste and energy use, and with a lifespan of 120 years, it comes with durability and longevity, meaning fewer repairs or replacements down the line. In total, Colinwell supplied 400 m² of the Allan Block system for the project. Speaking about Miller Homes’ experience, Senior Engineer, Brad Wise, shares, “The Colinwell Allan Block retaining wall system transformed our approach and dealt with effectively and efficiently the level change on our Arely Common Scheme. The site-specific preliminary design, cost-effectiveness, durability, and aesthetic made it a clear choice away from our traditional method of masonry retaining. The system’s unique front-lip setback and hollow-core blocks are the most important for the installers, making it a favourite for them to build. It meant we could build the walls swifty whilst keeping it secure. The sustainable 65% recycled content aligned perfectly with our ecoconscious goals.” When asked about the best part of the project from Colinwell’s perspective, Michael tells us that it was “seeing the results come together and hearing the positive feedback from Miller Homes. The faster build times compared to traditional methods made a big different onsite.” After hearing about all the success of this project, we’re keen to learn what’s next for Colinwell Masonry. Alan Sproule, CEO reveals, “Our focus for the remainder of 2025 and early 2026 is primarily on delivering against our first growth pillar. A key element of this involves upskilling our leadership and management teams. We also remain committed to identifying innovative new products, which relies on close collaboration with our customers to understand their challenges and deliver effective solutions.” We look forward to seeing Colinwell Masonry continue to thrive into the future – Here's to the next 145 years!
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