A Ceredigion development has been named the best in its category, in Wales, at the 2026 Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Building Excellence Awards.

Old Tailors Cottage in New Quay was named Best Individual New Home.

The awards, organised by LABC, recognise quality, competence and high standards across the construction industry, with nominations considered across 12 regions in England and Wales.

Old Tailors Cottage, built by a project team including Oliver James and Castle Architectural Designs Ltd, was constructed on the site of a derelict wood and corrugated iron building known locally as the Old Workshop or Old Tailors Cottage.

The original structure was considered to be of local historical interest and, according to the project's award submission, held a "very special place" in the hearts of local residents. The new home was designed to pay homage to the original building while creating a modern and accessible property for the 21st century.

Accessibility played a major part in its design. The homeowner and project manager, James King is registered blind, with the property described in its award entry as having been "designed with the blind in mind".

Features include low thresholds to remove trip hazards, an accessible ground-floor shower, high-contrast black fixtures to assist the owner's remaining vision and a staircase designed so that a single-person lift could be added in future if required.

The property has also achieved a B-rated Energy Performance Certificate and includes 12 solar panels, 10kW of battery storage and underfloor heating on both floors.

Speaking with Mr King, he said “to have been considered to submit our entry to represent the County of Ceredigion against other counties was an honour in the first instance.

“To receive the overall winner for best individual new home for the nation of Wales was an emotional day. Particularly as we worked with trades people, suppliers and professionals that all reside in the county of Ceredigion. We have now been entered into the national awards for the UK, held in London in January 2027."

The project worked closely with Ceredigion County Council's building control team and building control officer John Griffiths throughout construction.

In the award submission, Mr King praised the Ceredigion team as "refreshingly thorough", saying their local knowledge of the area, weather and ground conditions had been particularly valuable during the project.

“The house is unique, proving a different path is achievable and economic. Not only to build but to run. Whilst considering the environment. We are proud to represent Wales showing a progressive approach to new homes. The Welsh standards, to me, are better and not adopted in other parts of the UK”, said Mr King.

Mr Griffiths, endorsing the entry, said the owners had been the "driving force" behind the project and had assembled a team of construction professionals to create an energy-efficient home suited to both their current and future needs.

Old Tailors Cottage will now represent Wales, and Welsh building standards at the UK-wide LABC Building Excellence Awards in London in January 2027, competing with projects across Britain.