Best Sustainable Construction Company – Italy Italy’s energy and construction sectors continue to evolve under pressure from EU climate targets, shifting tax policies, and changing consumer expectations. In this environment, companies that combine technical capability with financial discipline and strategic foresight will be best positioned to lead. Tugnolo A&C srl is a group whose model reflects this demand, offering a framework for sustainable growth in a sector defined by transformation. As Tugnolo is named in the Sustainable Building Awards 2025, we took a closer look at the company’s longstanding legacy. www.build-review.com
BUILD Campaign Name 2023 Sustainable Building Awards 2025 Welcome to the Sustainable Building Awards 2025, proudly hosted by BUILD for the eighth consecutive year! Continuing our mission to spotlight excellence across vital industries, this respected awards programme celebrates the remarkable innovation and dedication of businesses championing sustainable building practices. By honouring the leaders and pioneers in this field, we aim to encourage continued progress and inspire businesses to pursue excellence in eco-conscious construction, design, and development. Whether you are an architectural firm, a construction company, a developer, or a supplier of sustainable building materials, the Sustainable Building Awards 2025 are here to recognise your impactful work. We also welcome entries from organisations specialising in energy efficiency, green technologies, smart infrastructure, and eco-friendly building solutions. Our inclusive approach ensures that all corners of the sustainable building sector are acknowledged and celebrated. In 2025, the industry is seeing unprecedented growth and innovation. Smart technologies such as AI, IoT, and digital twins are helping optimise building performance, reduce emissions, and cut operational costs. The shift toward prefabricated and modular construction is streamlining timelines while minimising material waste. Meanwhile, the use of natural and low-carbon materials including hempcrete, bamboo, and reclaimed timber is becoming more common. With net zero design, biophilic principles, and circular economy thinking increasingly becoming standard, there has never been a better time to champion the people and companies shaping a more sustainable built environment. Sofi Parry- Senior Editor Phone: 01283 365204 Website: www.build-review.com Sofi Parry- Senior Editor Joshua Beardsmore- Writer Kita Thomas- Writer Emma Hunt- Createive Team Manager Lauren Baldwin- Graphic Designer Editorial Team No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility.
Contents 4. Tugnolo A&C srl: Best Sustainable Construction Company – Italy 8. RPW Modular Roofing Solutions: Most Innovative Modular Roofing Solutions Provider 2025 – Canada & BUILD Client Service Excellence Award 2025 10. Cottage Advisors ME LLC: Best Sustainable Cottage Home Builder 2025 – North America & BUILD Low-Impact Construction Excellence Award 2025 12. Guardian Structural Technologies: Best Energy- Efficient Thermal Building Envelopes Manufacturer 2025 – USA 13. Ecovril Ltd: Best Rural Property Conversion Consultancy 2025 – UK & BUILD Excellence Award in Sustainable Heritage Restoration 2025 14. Cornerstone Construction: Best Sustainable Home Builder 2025 – Southern USA 15. Takazuri LTD: Most Innovative Roofing & Cladding Material 2025 – Africa 16. RubiksCraft Australia: Most Innovative Modular Homes Design Firm 2025 – Australia 17. Montage Development Consultants: Non-Profit Real Estate Development Champion of the Year 2025 – Canada 18. Rebella Caribbean Composite Rebar: Best Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer Rebar Distributor 2025 & BUILD Climate Resilience & Innovation Award 2025 19. Rede Pavim: Pioneers in Sustainable Workforce Development 2025 – South America & Gen Z Workforce Sustainability Champions of the Year 2025 20. BIMobject AB: Best BIM Object Creation Specialists 2025 – Europe 21. Agaron Studio: Best Sustainable Luxury Homebuilder 2025 – Valencian Community 22. Green Home Energy (Private) Limited: Best Renewable Energy Contractor 2025 – South East England 23. JackRabbit Homes: Best Sustainable Construction Advisory Service 2025 - Arizona
Sustainable Building Awards 2025 Tugnolo A&C srl originated as part of a group of companies established by the Tugnolo family in Northern Italy. The Founder, Annibale Tugnolo, migrated from the Veneto region to industrial Piedmont in the post-war period, initially working in construction and infrastructure for established entrepreneurs in the Chieri area. He later expanded into environmental services and facility management, and in 1980, founded his own company. Over time, he built one of the most prominent service providers in the Turin region, focusing on contracts with local authorities and private clients. In the 1990s, Annibale’s daughter Letizia joined the business, taking on a central role in administration and financial oversight. Her involvement marked a shift towards more structured investment strategies and income management, contributing to the company’s continued expansion. The business remained family-owned and operated, with a strong emphasis on operational reliability and longterm client relationships. Italy’s energy and construction sectors continue to evolve under pressure from EU climate targets, shifting tax policies, and changing consumer expectations. In this environment, companies that combine technical capability with financial discipline and strategic foresight will be best positioned to lead. Tugnolo A&C srl is a group whose model reflects this demand, offering a framework for sustainable growth in a sector defined by transformation. As Tugnolo is named in the Sustainable Building Awards 2025, we took a closer look at the company’s longstanding legacy. Best Sustainable Construction Company – Italy In 2019, the Tugnolo family sold its core operations to an industrial group, retaining a single business branch and preserving full autonomy. This decision laid the groundwork for a strategic repositioning, which formally began in late 2021 when Letizia Tugnolo, supported by consultant Riccardo Palmerini, acquired majority ownership of the company. The new leadership team identified growth opportunities in energy redevelopment and financial services, driven by EU directives and Italy’s Superbonus incentive scheme. Tugnolo restructured its operations to function as a financial general contractor, coordinating redevelopment projects that qualified for tax incentives on energy efficiency and seismic upgrades. The company secured ceilings for the assignment of receivables, structured procurement contracts, and engaged external advisors – including members of the Big 4 and PWC – for verification and certification of tax credits. To support its expanded scope, Tugnolo recruited high-profile managers and technical specialists across construction, plant engineering, and compliance. It also opened offices in Veneto, Bologna, and Lecce to facilitate regional partnerships and respond to market demand in photovoltaic development, real estate redevelopment, and tourism infrastructure. Rather than relying on a commercial network, Tugnolo built direct relationships with professionals, condominium administrators, and client companies. This approach enabled greater control over quality, documentation, and timelines. During this period, the company also acquired and relaunched dormant entities, transforming them into specialised subsidiaries focused on engineering, documentation, and operational execution. The Superbonus era served as a catalyst for Tugnolo’s evolution into a fully operational holding company. By integrating financial, technical, and compliance functions, the company developed a scalable model that
5
Sustainable Building Awards 2025 continues to support its post-incentive strategy, focused on energy transition, urban regeneration, and structured growth. aAs Tugnolo transitioned, it began acquiring and developing a network of specialised subsidiaries to support its vertically integrated model. Each entity plays a distinct role in the group’s supply chain, enabling Tugnolo to deliver end-to-end services across construction, energy, and compliance. Tugnolo Solutions srl was the first acquisition, relaunched from a dormant service company. It became the group’s hub for documentation, reporting, and regulatory support, particularly during the Superbonus phase. A team of trained young professionals transformed it into a verification centre for tax credit documentation, and today it continues to support clients with regulatory analysis, abstract preparation, and compliance workflows for post-incentive schemes. NordEst Project srl followed as a strategic engineering acquisition. The company brought in architects, engineers, and safety professionals, and now serves as the technical core of the group. Equipped with laser scanners, drones, and BIM capabilities, NordEst Project enables precise surveying and high-level design integration across all Tugnolo projects. Wattover, an innovative startup launched in 2024, focuses on AI-driven design and predictive analysis for renewable energy systems. With 80% ownership retained by Tugnolo, Wattover is developing a platform that automates sizing, financial modelling, and sustainability assessments for PV installations. Its roadmap aligns with the UN’s 2030 Agender and broader ESG frameworks. Urbanix, established with a 51% stake held by Tugnolo, functions as the group’s operational subcontractor. It was created to consolidate control over on-site execution, reduce dependency on external contractors, and ensure quality across construction and plant engineering. Urbanix partners include a seasoned building contractor and a plant engineering firm with prior collaboration history. In 2025, Tugnolo joined the Co.Smart Consortium, a national network of multidisciplinary companies offering integrated services across Italy. As the only ESCO-certified member, Tugnolo contributes energy expertise and benefits from shared resources, coordinated maintenance, and advanced technology partnerships. This group structure allows Tugnolo to maintain SME-level agility while operating with the depth and resilience of a large enterprise. This hybrid identity has become a strategic asset in a sector increasingly shaped by regulatory complexity, technological advancements, and shifting financial models. Tugnolo’s ability to combine operational flexibility with institutional-grade governance has positioned the group to respond quickly to evolving market demands. To capitalise on this positioning, Tugnolo has invested heavily in proprietary technology and digital infrastructure, developing a suite of tools designed to enhance efficiency, compliance, and client experience across its operations. Central to this is FIDIA – the Framework for Innovation and Design in AI – an expert system that automates the design and sizing of photovoltaic systems. Using deductive algorithms and a knowledge base trained on hundreds of real-world projects, FIDIA generates complete executive proposals, including technical documentation, performance forecasts, and regulatory compliance data. Complementing FIDIA are several standalone applications initially developed for internal use and now being prepared for market licensing. These include a forecasting tool for simulating energy class upgrades based on retrofit scenarios, a safety documentation manager with real-time QR code access to worker certifications, and a construction site signage generator that streamlines compliance with regulatory display requirements. A virtual showroom app is also in development, enabling interactive product presentations via QR codes and web-based interfaces in Tugnolo’s exhibition spaces. Together, these tools reflect the group’s commitment to scalable innovation and digital autonomy. By embedding technology into every stage of the value chain – from design and documentation to execution and client engagement – Tugnolo is not only improving internal performance but also creating new revenue streams through software licensing. This tech-forward approach reinforces the group’s ability to operate with the precision of a large enterprise while maintaining the responsiveness and adaptability of an SME.
7 Tugnolo’s integrated structure and investment in technology have translated into measurable results across both construction and energy sectors. Between 2022 and 2025, the group completed over 430 client projects, including 32,000 square metres of thermal insulation and 12 seismic redevelopment interventions – ranging from full demolitions and reconstructions to complex structural consolidations. In the plant engineering domain, the company installed approximately 8 MW of heat pumps, 2 MW of thermal power systems, and 2 MW of photovoltaic panels, supported by 4.5 MW of storage capacity. These outcomes are underpinned by a comprehensive certification portfolio. Tugnolo holds SOA qualifications across six categories, ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 for quality and safety, and ESCO certification under UNI CEO 11352:2014. The company also maintains a Legality Rating and is registered for FGas services and boiler compliance under national environmental protocols. Recognition of Tugnolo’s performance has come from both national and international platforms. In 2025, the company was named one of the Best Performers in Piedmont by ItalyPost and L’Economia del Corriere della Sera and has received the title of Italy’s Best Sustainable Construction Company 2025 by BUILD magazine. It also earned a High Honour for its financial statements from Industria Felix, citing competitiveness, ethical employment practices, and financial reliability. These achievements reflect not only operational excellence but also the group’s ability to navigate a shifting regulatory and financial landscape. With strategic partnerships, including an exclusive distribution agreement with a Tier 1 solar panel manufacturer, Tugnolo is positioned to scale its impact while maintaining the flexibility and responsiveness that define its SME roots. With its post-Superbonus structure firmly in place, Tugnolo is now focused on consolidating its market position and expanding its strategic reach. The group has entered advanced negotiations to become the exclusive national distributor for a Tier 1 solar panel manufacturer of German origin, whose production spans multiple Giga Factories across China, Turkey, and Morocco. In addition to strengthening Tugnolo’s supply chain, this partnership will also open the door to industrial synergies, including potential assembly operations within Italy. Beyond distribution, Tugnolo is actively developing its advisory network to support both domestic and international growth. Two high-profile collaborations – one focused on the Italian market, the other on global energy and real estate sectors – ensure the group remains attuned to regulatory shifts, financing trends, and emerging opportunities. These partnerships provide access to legal, tax, and strategic expertise, enabling Tugnolo to identify new business models and expand its footprint across sectors and geographies. The company’s future strategy centres on continuing to provide clients with the dual benefits of its hybrid identity. This includes offering 360° services: from needs analysis and technical planning to financing, certification, and energy supply. With a vertically integrated structure, a growing portfolio of tailored technologies, and a proven ability to adapt to policy and market changes, Tugnolo is well positioned to lead the next phase of Italy’s energy transition and urban regeneration efforts. Tugnolo enters the next phase of its development with a clear operational structure, a defined market position, and a growing network of strategic and industrial partnerships. The group has demonstrated its ability to deliver complex projects, manage regulatory frameworks, and develop proprietary tools that improve both internal performance and client outcomes. Its certifications, recognitions, and financial results confirm the strength of its model and the consistency of its execution. As the regulatory and financial environment continues to evolve, the company is prepared to adapt its tools, partnerships, and service models to meet new demands. Its structure allows for growth without compromising control, and its strategy is built to support long-term value creation across sectors. With these foundations in place, Tugnolo is ready to scale its impact and support the next generation of redevelopment and energy infrastructure projects. Contact: Riccardo Palmerini Company: Tugnolo A&C srl Web Address: www.tugnolosrl.it
Sustainable Building Awards 2025 Apr23339 RPW Modular Roofing Solutions Most Innovative Modular Roofing Solutions Provider 2025 – Canada & BUILD Client Service Excellence Award 2025
9 Any professional in the construction industry would concur that a roof is much more than just the top of a building, and what a person puts on their roof can have a significant impact on their balance sheet. Embodying this mindset to the fullest extent is RPW Modular Building Solutions, Canada’s leading provider of modular roofing. Recognized for its innovation and excellent client service in this programme, we caught up with Amanda Gilmore, company president, for more on its solutions and approach. Despite being officially founded in 2021, the story of RPW Modular Roofing Solutions dates back a lot further. The company was built off of the success of RPW Associates, Inc., a business started by Paul Whaley back in 1998, and remains a division of it to this day. With this prestige to boot, RPW Modular today provides high-quality membranes, accessories, and technical support to those in the industry. In particular, it is renowned for its 13-foot-wide PVC seamless sheets, which have been designed to offer a straightforward application. Alongside this flagship solution, which is made using only the finest Evaloy KEE PVC membrane, the company also supplies both TPO and EPDM membranes, both of which can be custom fabricated to ensure they are a perfect fit for a client’s every job. But a roof is much more than the membrane, and this is why RPW Modular’s product portfolio also comprises a range of roofing accessories – fasteners, tapes, adhesives, etc. – as well as all the necessary support to ensure that every project relating to a roof goes off without a hitch. For clients, this applies to new construction, re-roofing projects, and retrofitting alike, positioning RPW Modular as the full-service provider many clients seek out for a job. As mentioned briefly above, this covers support, with the dedicated customer service and technical support divisions within the company always being just a phone call away to support with every modular roofing query, from design and code compliance to project take-offs and everything in between. Very few providers have such an encompassing approach. “We believe that what you put on top has a direct effect on your bottom line.” Being Canada’s only source for the 13’ PVC seamless sheet would be enough of a distinction in its own right, but RPW Modular takes things a step further by tailoring this and its other roof membranes to a client’s exact specifications, a process which minimizes waste and optimizes the installation. The result not only saves time on a project but also improves both the appearance and performance of a roof, offering improved functionality and peace of mind for countless years to come. The success RPW Modular enjoys as a result of this approach stems from the foundational belief that its clients are integral members of the community it has built. By treating them as such – not simply as numbers – the company has established a network of clients across both the modular and commercial construction markets and has worked on a range of diverse projects, ranging from single office trailers through to permanent modular buildings. When asked, the company will also take on more specialist projects, as was seen recently. Recognizing that it is good to take on a new challenge every once in a while, RPW Modular was honoured to be asked to take part in a major re-roofing project for the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, one of the country’s most revered tourist attractions. Joining the company on the job was the aforementioned Paul Whaley (who was the original roof consultant), as well as Provincial Roofing, the original roofing contractor, and Cooley Group, RPW’s membrane partner. They collaborated to bring a significant project to fruition that had been years in the making. More typical projects are managed on a one-toone basis by a member of this dedicated team, which comprises talented industry professionals aligned under the company’s overarching aim of delivering high-quality, cost-effective, ecofriendly roofing systems to its clients. The more than 20 years of industry experience Amanda boasts sees her oversee every aspect of this operation, from project planning and execution through to customer service, technical support, and finance. Amanda is also responsible for setting the vision and culture. It is thanks to this that RPW Modular prizes collaboration with fellow industry leaders as much as it does with its clients, seen through Amanda keeping close ties with RPW Associates and proSeal Roof Systems alike, both of which she worked for in customer service management roles prior to the launch of RPW Modular almost four years ago to the day at time of writing. The result is that her company remains one step ahead when it comes to market trends and customer needs, positioning it favourably for future expansion. With this in mind, Amanda told us that the final few weeks of 2025 for RPW Modular are all about laying the groundwork for the innovative projects it has lined up for 2026, in turn giving way to an engaging and productive couple of years within the modular and commercial construction industries. Given both of these spaces are also in the midst of some exciting advancements, the sector is quickly becoming a hotbed of activity for companies like RPW Modular, which remains committed to the differentiators that set it apart. Named the Most Innovative Modular Roofing Solutions Provider 2025 – Canada and celebrated with our BUILD Client Service Excellence Award 2025, Amanda signed off by capturing the essence of RPW Modular Roofing Solutions, stating: “We are dedicated to excellence, delivering top-tier roofing membranes for the modular industry with unwavering commitment and expertise.” For more on how a roof is more than just a roof with RPW Modular, visit its website below. Contact: Amanda Gilmore Company: RPW Modular Roofing Solutions Web Address: https://www.rpwmodular.com/
Sustainable Building Awards 2025 Cottage Advisors is a Maine-based, multi-generational family business dedicated to designing and building cottage communities that combine timeless architecture, efficient living, and a true sense of neighbourhood. Its clients include homebuyers seeking high-quality, low-maintenance living; investors and landowners pursuing smart development opportunities; and municipalities looking to expand housing options through responsible design. The first seed of Cottage Advisors was sowed in 1976, when Founder Howard Hall dedicated to plant roots and develop his first residential community. Howard was a noted Massachusetts Real Estate and Land Use Attorney for more than three decades, in addition to his role as a developer. In 2005, Howard established Cottage Advisors, fuelled by his newfound passion for making efficient use of land with high-quality homes that are Best Sustainable Cottage Home Builder 2025 – North America & BUILD Low-Impact Construction Excellence Award 2025 Pocket neighbourhoods are becoming an increasingly popular option across the property market, offering a unique perspective on residential design and community living. These neighbourhoods are intentionally created to promote interaction and collaboration among residents, providing a place where community is transformed from a concept into a daily lived experience. This perspective is being championed by Cottage Advisors, a family-owned design and construction business dedicated to creating residential cottage neighbourhoods that emphasise communityfocused, sustainable living. We took a closer look at the company below, following its well-deserved recognition in the Sustainable Building Awards 2025. designed for socialising. He deplored the country-wide shift from 1950s-era close-knit neighbourhoods, whilst also recognising the need for affordable recreational properties that the working family could enjoy. With this new chapter, Howard set out to reintroduce the neighbourhood feeling that many modern residential developments have been sorely lacking, providing a sense of community to a new generation of homeowners. Howard was joined in 2007 by his son, Howard “Chip” Hall, whose primary responsibilities include site selection, property entitlement, and community development oversight. Before entering the family business, Chip held senior management positions across a number of high technology companies, including seven startups – two of which he co-founded. This experience has been instrumental to Chip’s success in the field, and, to date, he has now overseen the permitting and development of more than 500 cottages.
11 Initially, Cottage Advisors focused on creating classic resort cottage communities throughout New England and Canada. Serving as both developer and building partner across its projects, the company created The Cottages at Summer Village in Wells, Maine; Summer Village at the Pond in Westford, Maine; Seaglass Village in Wells, Maine; and Sandbanks Summer Village in Prince Edward County, Ontario. With Chip assuming the day to day operations in 2014 he took these design principles and expanded them to benefit the residential home market with The Cottages at River Hill in West Newbury, Massachusetts, the company’s first pocket neighbourhood. A pocket neighbourhood is a collection of homes strategically placed together and centred on a shared open space or common area. This design promotes neighbourly interaction whilst facilitating personal space and privacy, fostering a sense of belonging and community through wellpositioned homes that encourage neighbours to spend time with one another. What’s more, the shared ownership of land, parks, and trails ensures that each homeowner holds a vested interest in the neighbourhood’s oversight and care, enhancing the security and strengthening the bonds of the overall community. Since its operational pivot in 2014, Cottage Advisors has developed a diverse range of pocket neighborhoods and clustered communities designed to foster strong social connections and efficient land use. In Massachusetts, the company has completed several notable residential communities in West Newbury, including The Cottages at RiverHill and The Cottages at Drakes Landing, along with The Cottages at Port Place in Newburyport. In 2021, Chip relocated the company to Maine, where Cottage Advisors has since delivered a number of successful communities, including The Porches and Coastal Pines in Kennebunk, as well as The Cottages at Windswept and The Cottages at Stonefield in Gorham. Most recently, the company has begun infrastructure work on its newest development, Creekside Crossing, a close-knit community of 24 townhomes in the heart of Kennebunk. Designed to offer the best of both worlds—small-town charm with modern conveniences—each townhome includes two bedrooms with the option for a third, an open-concept kitchen and living area, and a private deck ideal for relaxation or entertaining. Cottage Advisors is also in the final stages of construction at The Cottages at Winding Ridge, the fastest-selling 55+ community in the Greater Portland area. These thoughtfully designed homes offer bright and spacious open-concept floor plans ideal for casual living and gatherings. Each cottage features warm, cottage-style finishes, beautifully designed kitchens, and flexible layouts that create a tranquil and welcoming living environment. Every Cottage Advisors home is designed in-house by the company’s own architects. The team builds on proven floorplans whilst continually refining and refreshing the designs in order to elevate each site’s unique character. Throughout the development process, Cottage Advisors upholds its signature design principles of energy efficiency, strategic land use, a front-porch focus, right-sizing, and the concept of “own easy.” This stringent focus allows the team to deliver cost-effective homes that maintain timeless architectural appeal and a distinctly custom design. Across its development projects, Cottage Advisors maintains a steadfast dedication to designing energy-efficient homes that reduce the environmental footprint of entire communities. The company focuses on maximising land use and efficiency whilst preserving the natural features of the site, ensuring that every Cottage Advisors community enhances both the surrounding landscape and the lives of those who call it home. This commitment has earned Cottage Advisors the BUILD Low-Impact Construction Excellence Award 2025. Equally important to Cottage Advisors is, of course, community. The company places a priority on personal relationships and local ties, driven by its status as a family business. Each community is built by a core Cottage Advisors construction team, working in close collaboration with local tradespeople. This provides ample employment opportunities to the local communities, which not only offers a cost-effective option to external construction teams but also reinforces a sense of pride and community spirit across the local area. Looking to the future, Cottage Advisors is entering a period of significant growth. With his three sons, Howie, Nickolas, and Lukas, working alongside Chip, the company is poised to build on its strong foundation and continue shaping communities across southern Maine. Beyond its active projects at Creekside Crossing and The Cottages at Winding Ridge, Cottage Advisors has several additional tracts of land currently in due diligence, positioning the company for continued expansion of its portfolio of thoughtfully designed, community-focused neighbourhoods. From its community-first ethos to its tireless dedication to environmentally conscious practices, Cottage Advisors has played a significant role in shaping the residential market for the better, demonstrating precisely why it has been named North America’s Best Sustainable Cottage Home Builder 2025. Contact: Howard “Chip” Hall Company: Cottage Advisors ME LLC Web Address: www.cottageadvisors.com
Sustainable Building Awards 2025 Best EnergyEfficient Thermal Building Envelopes Manufacturer 2025 – USA The significant increase in population size in recent decades brought rapid infrastructure development, resulting in an increase in global energy consumption. Heat and energy used in the buildings as well as direct energy emissions are responsible for much of this energy use. Insulative materials are an important part of buildings. They are meant to stop heat from entering or escaping in order to keep the temperature inside comfortable. Insulation materials are used in walls, roofs, and balance of the assembly, reducing the heating or cooling requirements. Designed properly, it can save energy and cut down on carbon emissions. How well insulation works depends on the material’s R-value (thermal resistance), ability to keep air out, ability to fight moisture and air infiltration, noise reduction and long-term performance. Because of this, thermal insulation has become an important part of building planning and construction in modern times. Thermal insulation is used to prevent heat transfer in or out of a building to ensure the HVAC system’s efficiency. When less BTUs are required to condition the internal space due to thermal insulation, demand is lowered for heating and cooling. Effective thermal insulation can save money on utility bills and enhance the quality of life by ensuring a more constant indoor temperature. Energy consumption for heating and cooling buildings can be reduced, which is a positive for the environment. The goal is to be minimally impactful on the climate ecosystem while creating effective control of the conditions indoors. Guardian’s Shield™ Panels are structurally engineered wall and roof panels that create the external envelope of a building. The galvanized cold formed steel structure is embedded in high density Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insulation, providing extreme energy efficiency. In most applications, they reduce the HVAC requirements by 75 to 80%. ShieldTM panels have been awarded the highest designation of distinction from the Passive House Institute United States (PHIUS) as the only PHIUS certified building panel thermal enveloped system in the country. The panels create a thermal bridge free system with R values up to R-75 to meet and beat local building codes instituted for differing climate conditions. Precision engineering of the panels makes the system airtight which prevents air leakage which can account for up to 40% of a building’s heating or cooling loss. Heavy duty panel components provide building durability from environmental elements and sustainability to last a building’s lifetime without breaking down. Earlier this year, Guardian Structural Technologies played an essential role in the award-winning Cochrane Home, located in Detroit’s North Corktown neighborhood. Designed by Houm, with Three Squared, Inc. as Architect, and built by Living Edge, the project received both the AIA Detroit Honor Award and the AIA Michigan Honor Award for SingleFamily Residential Architecture. It represents a prototype for efficient housing which is sustainable and attainable as it maximizes performance and affordability The building sector accounts for up to 40% of global energy consumption and 33% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the World Economic Forum, and has an important role to play in the future of sustainability, protecting the environment and preserving natural resources. Thermal insulation materials have a vital function in reducing energy consumption within the building envelope. Guardian Structural Technologies (GST) is an industry leader in delivering an innovative building system that provides superior structural, environmental and financial benefits to the life of the building. D.J. Keehan, GST’s Manager of Structural Technologies, outlines how their forward-thinking insulation system delivers for their customers. serving as a benchmark for urban infill housing. Energy performance was central to the design approach. At the core of the home’s performance strategy is the Guardian SHIELD™ Panel System, providing continuous R-40 wall and R-60 roof insulation. This fully integrated, recyclable assembly eliminates thermal bridging and air infiltration, forming a continuous airtight envelope. As a result, the home is projected to use 83% less energy than regional averages for homes of similar size – setting a new benchmark for residential energy efficiency in its region. Three Squared Inc.’s Director of Design, Breck Crandell, concludes: "The old adage that ‘we can’t build them like we used to’ is absolutely true. We no longer have financial access to the same materials or skilled artisans of the past. With the Cochrane Home, this is the closest we’ve come to creating something we believe future generations will respect. If a house is well designed, it should keep working, breathing, and feeling good for whoever calls it home, long into the future." Cited as the USA’s Best Energy-Efficient Structural Panel System Provider 2025 and Best Energy-Efficient Thermal Building Envelopes Manufacturer 2025 – USA, Guardian Structural Technologies has successfully positioned itself as the trusted provider of solutions being as environmentally conscious as they are client centric. Contact: D.J. Keehan Company: Guardian Structural Technologies Web Address: www.guardianstructural.com
13 The story of Ecovril Ltd begins, albeit in a somewhat roundabout way, with the author Edward Bulwer-Lytton and the meat extract Bovril. In the author’s seminal work, ‘The Coming Race’, he presented a mystical electrical power called ‘Vril’. This inspired the name of the paste launched a few years later. He extended a cottage in the heart of Knebworth Park woods as a writing retreat - the property that was once Bulwer-Lytton’s is today home to the aptly named Ecovril, a sustainable design and planning company co-founded by Chau Lee and Andy Singleton. We caught up with them for more. Best Rural Property Conversion Consultancy 2025 – UK BUILD Excellence Award in Sustainable Heritage Restoration 2025 Contact: Chau Lee and Andy Singleton Company: Ecovril Ltd Web Address: https://www.ecovril.com/ Ecovril’s ethos of renovating and converting buildings to get the best out of a space and maximise an asset is reflected through this aforementioned cottage, which was built from Knebworth oak, extended by Bulwer-Lytton, and restored by Andy Singleton using timber from the same woods. It is also reflected through its name – ‘Eco’ for ecology and ‘Vril’ for that spark of energy which was introduced in the book of the property’s former owner – and is today embodied through the sustainable services delivered by the team here. Founded in 2011 from this historic location as a way to renovate and convert buildings both old and new in an affordable and sustainable manner, Ecovril prides itself on tackling some of the most unusual and challenging projects the market has to offer, including obtaining planning permission on those rural and heritage properties where many others have given up. Examples include barn conversions in the Yorkshire Dales, green belt and listed buildings, and even an upwards extension of a row of a terraced houses thrice rejected. However, the most perfect project the company has ever had the pleasure of working on was the Roundhouse, which Chau and Andy stumbled across accidentally as they were passing through their local village. There behind an overgrown plot stood an abandoned, semi-submerged, circular water tank. As they climbed onto the lid and looked out over the encompassing fields, they knew they could do something special. They ended up building a pioneering sustainable home originally designed for themselves, but was sold on and completed in collaboration with the new owners. The outcome is a beautiful open unique building which can be appreciated by all. Diving deeper into their magnificent Knebworth Roundhouse, the couple explained: “The Roundhouse is inspired by the Trulli houses in Italy where conical stone roofscapes purposefully have no gutters and instead direct rainwater to an underground tank – perfect for the lack of water they are used to and that we are now experiencing more and more.” Aside from this, the house is simply beautiful – honest and in keeping with its surroundings thanks to features such as a hat-like roof and a large, glass-curtain wall for the view. “The Roundhouse embraces the most up to date technologies – such as solar panels and a computerised, dried hardwood, log-burning boiler – but also uses low tech wherever appropriate, such as a UK-manufactured range cooker and glass in the floors to allow natural light to bathe the central stairwell.” This build is just the tip of the iceberg, and the duo have upgraded everything from Grade I listed buildings through to new builds of both a domestic and commercial nature. Across every project, the team strive to use local traders and building materials, as well as repurposing materials where possible to cut down on waste and give character. As reclaimed material becomes scarcer, the team have found new ways to be creative, even reusing the cast iron posts from the Roundhouse by shortening them and inserting a sleeve. Regardless of whether the project is their own or carried out on behalf of a client, the ethos is the same: if a job is worth doing then it is worth doing properly. Ecovril’s commitment to this can be seen through many of its clients becoming friends during and after their project, and it is this level of service – combined with the expertise Chau boasts in industrial design/ technical materials and which Andy possesses on the back of being in the building industry since he was 16 years old – that really sets the company apart in this landscape. As for the future of the company, Ecovril is sad to announce that its lease for the 400-year-old thatched cottage it calls home is due to expire next May, but excited to reveal that they have found a new holding new Louth, Lincolnshire, which Chau and Andy have fallen in love with. Comprising a Grade II listed farmhouse and a four-storey warehouse, this is the perfect location for this talented duo to continue to pioneer and realise their vision of sustainable planning and design for properties across the UK. Ecovril Ltd
Sustainable Building Awards 2025 Vacation homes are big business in the US – with figures estimating that around four in ten Americans have a second property to their name. This is unsurprising given the diverse landscapes the country boasts, from bustling cities and stunning beaches to picturesque lakes. It is in the latter where Cornerstone Construction, a homebuilder based in Arley, Alabama, thrives. Recognised for the sustainable approach it takes to its work; we caught up with the company’s own Corey Noe for more on its distinction. Best Sustainable Home Builder 2025 – Southern USA Having built and maintained homes since 1983, Kevin Noe, the president and owner of this award-winning construction company, has been privileged to both live and work along the Gulf Coast for decades. Settling into his forever home in the Smith Lake area of Alabama, along with his wife, Angela, Kevin has been building homes – not houses – here for many years. Joining Kevin on this venture is his son, Corey, who is the vice president of the company and also moved to Arley from the Gulf Coast, with his wife and four children. Both men believed they were following God’s calling as they moved, and this faith-based approach is the cornerstone of Cornerstone Construction. Every decision is prayed over and the company’s value system reflects both this faith and a commitment to the clients it serves. To this end, its values – which span areas such as integrity, honesty, high standards, moral excellence, and a strong work ethic, are all linked to particular verses from the Bible. Operating in such a manner in a deeply religious area of the country, Cornerstone Construction attracts clients from many walks of life from across the US, all of whom are united by an appreciation for the beauty of the Smith Lake region where the company carries out new construction, additions, remodels, and home maintenance services alike. These services are underpinned by the values discussed above, as well as a rigorous sustainable focus seen through every element of a build, such as an emphasis on energy conservation. “Building lakefront and rural homes with an awareness of the surrounding environment, we aim to minimise disruption and blend in with the landscape around us”, Corey explained. “Our sustainability contributions tend to be practical and project-based, with key aspects including prioritising well-insulated homes, modern HVAC systems, and efficient windows/doors.” These services reflect a shift in the consumer market more widely, with buyers seeking out ‘green’ features to both reduce their costs and protect the planet. “Cornerstone Construction can present eco-friendly alternatives alongside traditional ones, giving clients a way to align sustainability with their personal style.” The Smith Lake home construction carried out by the team here is a unique in a number of ways, first and foremost being its strict adherence to building codes. Despite this region having much fewer requirements than the Gulf Coast, where Kevin and Corey constantly had to deal with numerous regulations and the constant presence of building inspectors, the duo and their team pride themselves on maintaining the same high standards they have always done, like carrying out their own inspections and introducing the ZIP System. Explaining this further, Corey told us: “The ZIP System is not a requirement but something that can give the homeowner peace of mind, as well as offering incentives. With FORTIFIED®, a programme geared around weather-resistant roofs, now available in North Alabama, there are specific guidelines for its installation. We work from engineered plans for continuous load path strapping tying the roof through the frame to the footings. This is how we build homes that stand up to weather and stand the test of time.” As well as this, Cornerstone Construction prides itself on keeping every client up to date with the progress of their build in this coveted vacation area, allowing them to manage progress through an app and stay in contact with the project manager. They can also see any invoices and pay their bill through the app, which is especially useful for those who live far away. Beyond this, its wider audience is engaged through regular social media posts. Finally, on the back of the above, Cornerstone Construction has grown at a steady pace over the last few years and is excited to announce work on many large projects in the coming months, including a three-milliondollar build. This is just the beginning, and other projects span a luxury tree in house in Crane Hill and even a 65home development right on Smith Lake. These projects reflect a company working at the top of its game. In closing, Corey shared with us the ethos guiding Cornerstone Construction at every turn: “Remember what we’re building: homes meant to span generations. 100 years from now the families living in our homes will never meet you, but they’ll feel your craftsmanship every day. That’s legacy work.” More on these generational projects can be found below. Company: Cornerstone Construction Web Address: https://webuildsmithlake.com/
15 CLIMATILE by Takazuri: Most Innovative Roofing & Cladding Material 2025 - Africa Stumbling across the Million Cool Roofs Challenge in London – a global competition designed to speed up deployment of solar-reflective (‘cool’) roofs in countries with heat stress – Maria Schlesinger knew she had found the next chapter in her career as a product designer. Together with her husband Chris, a solar entrepreneur, and her long time friend and fellow designer, Adel Kassem, the trio established Takazuri in 2020. We sat down with her for more on Climatile™, their patented new roofing solution created from plastic waste. Sustainability has always been a huge part of Maria’s work as a product designer – with her previous exploits including building a business selling luxury bags created from recycled inner-tube tyres, which were then sold across the US and Europe. When she was first introduced to the Million Cool Roofs Challenge in 2019, Maria had also been working as an interior designer in both London and California, where her love for construction began to take shape and guide her to pursue an earthbuilding training programme with CAL-Earth. The Million Cool Roofs Challenge prompted the Takazuri team to see shelters through a new lens, one that connected resilience and self-sufficiency in a way they hadn’t considered before. It raised a fundamental question in a time of climate uncertainty: what should a shelter provide to truly allow people to be more self-sufficient? For them, the answer came down to three essentials: comfortable indoor temperatures, access to water, and access to energy. And because the roof is the first line of defence against the elements, it made sense to start here. If a roof could do more - cool better, collect water safely, and integrate solar more easily - then the entire idea of resilience could shift from something reactive to something built-in. This became the starting point for redefining what a modern roof should be capable of. The next challenge was going to be HOW. They agreed it had to be sustainably done to lessen the footprint in our ecosystem, and began to explore the integration of plastic waste material. From there, an extensive R&D process began. Initially supported by Innovate UK, this expanded to technical collaborations with BASF in Germany and Gabriel Chemie in Austria on colour and advanced additives, anchoring the development of Climatile’s IP in global expertise and rigorous engineering. By 2022, the first prototype emerged. In 2023, Takazuri filed international patents and showcased the technology during the UN Plastics Treaty Negotiations in Nairobi. In 2024, after meeting international material standards, Climatile entered commercial production supported by a P4G grant. It quickly proved itself across Kenya’s diverse climates, from arid northern regions to coastal humidity and Nairobi’s dense urban settings. This year they have been recognised as one of Fast Company’s Best World Changing Ideas and early next year, Climatile will even feature on CBS Television’s ‘Visioneers’, which showcases eco-heroes. Commenting on the impact this solution has had, Maria told us: “Climatile shows what’s possible when recycled plastic, advanced chemistry, smart design and strong partnerships come together. It’s essentially elevating recycling into true upcycling – transforming downgraded waste into a super-material that, through smart design, delivers superior performance in its application.” Climatile offers a systems approach to building, one that moves away from more traditional brick-and-mortar methods. A genius interlocking mechanism allows the tiles to create a walkable, leak-free surface, suitable for both roofing and cladding. The snap-fit system makes installation quick and simple, cutting time by about 40% and reducing demand for high skilled labour. The Climatile system offers ultra-light Solar panels, 79% lighter than conventional panels but just as efficient, cutting structural requirements and cost. It can also support standard solar where needed. In both cases, panels integrate seamlessly without affecting roof integrity. In Kenya they have demonstrated that circularity works at scale when relationships based on knowledge sharing are built across the chain and training is offered to everyone, from waste pickers to manufacturing partners. In today’s interconnected world, it’s encouraging to see circularity taking hold in emerging markets like Kenya. “The rise of groups like the Nairobi Climate Network and the Kenya Green Building Society has been hugely positive – giving us platforms to engage, educate, collaborate, and raise awareness across the sector.” While operations have begun in Kenya, Climatile is designed for global markets, aligning with international standards and suited to a wide range of climates and building types. Climatic performance is engineered in. High reflectance and emittance help cool interiors naturally, while the design performs reliably even at a low roof pitch of 10°. In just over a year, Takazuri has built a strong team to serve their global ambition, with talented leaders bringing the system from pilot projects to a full portfolio of installations across residential, commercial, and ecotourism sectors. This growing team reflects the company’s ethos: high-performance design, practical problem solving, and a deep respect for the people who make Climatile possible - from waste pickers, recyclers, and manufacturing partners to installers and technicians. Thus, the future is bright for Takazuri as it grows its footprint beyond Kenya, with a licensing model even set to be rolled out in the USA in Q3 2026. A translucent tile and a new colour palette are also scheduled for release, with many more surprises to come. Given Climatile roofing is the perfect solution from new builds to retrofits and permanent to semi-permanent structures alike, it is safe to say that this efficient, sustainable roofing system made from climate-resilient building materials is one of a kind. Whilst some companies are merely riding the coattails of sustainability’s increasing presence within the construction sector, Takazuri LTD is different. Its provision of plastic recycled roofing tiles marks the next leap forwards in Africa’s built environment and it is our pleasure to reflect this by recognising the innovation of Climatile roofing in this issue. Contact: Maria Schlesinger, CEO Email: [email protected] Company: Takazuri LTD Web Address: https://www.takazuri.com/
www.build-review.comRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUyMDQwMA==