AFL Build

We construct outstanding architectural homes that are both sustainable and beautiful.

Our residential projects include new homes, refurbishments of heritage properties and house extensions at all scales. We also offer a complete turn-key solution, including architectural design and structural engineering.

Our team of specialist craftspeople work toward the most stringent Passivhaus eco-design principles to deliver low-energy homes that are healthy, warm and comfortable throughout the year.

Approach

We have a unique contemporary approach to construction, enabled by a suite of digital management tools. These allow for seamless site communication during construction and improved client and aftercare services.

Our site teams are led by experienced architects and project managers, who form the main point of contact for our clients throughout. They work with each site manager to ensure quality whilst monitoring progress and budget.

Whilst we are able to offer a complete architectural design, structural engineering, interior design and build service, we also work with other architects, engineers, interior designers and clients to provide construction services only.

Expertise

We specialise in creating bespoke architectural homes in London, the home counties and The Cotswolds. Our work includes both new build properties and sensitive additions to heritage homes, including listed properties and those in conservation areas.

We take pride in our ability to navigate the complexities of constrained London sites with neighbours’ properties in close proximity and we work closely with local residents to minimise noise and disruption.

Low Energy House

We invest in the skill and expertise of our team, encouraging development training and mentorship through a programme of skill-based courses. Our team includes a Passivhaus-certified tradesperson and CSCS-qualified site managers.

Sustainability

Environmental impact is a key consideration in our work. We take a fabric-first approach to sustainability based on the Passivhaus principles of airtightness, high-performance insulation, triple glazing and MVHR.

We build comfortable, fossil fuel free homes, with heating and hot water provided by air-source heat pumps, ultimately aiming for net zero energy in use. This accords with UK’s requirement to reach net zero across all sectors by 2050. The homes that we retrofit now will not be refurbished again before this date, so each project is critical.

In addition to the performance of our buildings in use, we carefully consider embodied energy. We use materials and processes with less embodied carbon and repurpose materials on-site where possible to reduce waste. For all other waste disposal, we use partners who are committed to diverting waste from landfill with transfer stations that specialise in re-use and re-cycling.

Low Energy House

Team

Ben Ridley, Becky Wootton, Andy Durling, Anna Baugh, Riccardo Milletari, Theo Jones, Alastair Selven, Matt Wickham, Edi Dauti, Fernando Nonato, Julimar Miranda, Genevieve O'Sullivan

Ben RidleyDirectorBen founded AFL Build and he leads our design and construction teams. He ensures outstanding client experience, high-quality design and sustainable construction.

Ben was a jury member for the RIBA / Grand Designs House of the Year Award 2022. He is a Passivhaus designer with significant technical expertise in the construction of low-energy buildings.

Becky WoottonProjects ManagerBecky is responsible for the management of our construction teams. She has direct oversight of site progress, ensuring design quality and low-energy strategies are carried through to the finished building.

She is currently working on several low-energy schemes, including a retrofit project in a conservation area in north London. This project employs a mechanical ventilation heat recovery system, air-source heat pump, wood fibre insulation and high-performance glazing.

Andy DurlingConstruction Project ManagerAndrew uses his military experience to implement, develop and manage all phases of a project. With 23 years in the construction industry, he has practical knowledge and a hands-on approach in both project manager and site manager roles. He is currently studying to become a chartered project manager.

Andrew studied strategic management and leadership & business management at the University of Portsmouth where he graduated with distinctions.

Anna BaughStudio ManagerAnna manages finances, purchasing and administration for our team. She assists with site health and safety, liaises with the site teams, as well as working to resolve client queries throughout their projects.

Anna studied mathematical sciences at the University of Bath, achieving first-class honours. She previously led the administration team at a construction training company.

Riccardo MilletariQuantity SurveyorRiccardo is an architect and quantity surveyor, he produces our costings and negotiates with suppliers and subcontractors to achieve the best value for our clients. During construction, he manages costs to ensure that our projects are completed within budget.

He previously worked as a quantity surveyor for five years on high-quality bespoke houses in London. Riccardo has a master's in architecture from the University of Palermo in Italy.

Theo JonesOperationsTheo leads our digital management and client experience, implementing the latest technologies to ensure efficient communication and delivery to programme.

He runs our in-house workshop and has a keen interest in combining traditional and digital fabrication.

Alastair Mitchell Architecture for London

Alastair SelvenCraftspersonAlastair has significant expertise in craft and construction, having a background as a designer-maker. He specialises in sustainable concrete, stone and joinery and has recently made bespoke basins, fireplaces and furniture for our clients.

Alastair studied architecture at Central Saint Martins. His current work focuses on material, process and provenance.

Matt WickhamPassivhaus ConsultantMatt is an architect and certified Passivhaus Designer. He is highly knowledgeable in the design and delivery of low-energy homes and helps clients achieve Passivhaus or EnerPhit certification for their projects.

He has diverse experience, having led projects both as an architect and as a site manager. He has a unique perspective on designing and constructing buildings of exceptional quality.

Edi DautiSite ManagerBased on site, Edi manages a team of skilled craftspeople, ensuring professional and timely project delivery.

Edi has recently completed the low-energy renovation and extension of a mid-century house in Highbury, Islington. The project included the installation of a whole-house MVHR system and an air-source heat pump.

Fernando NonatoSite ManagerFernando has over 15 years of experience as a site manager running complex residential refurbishments, extensions and new builds in London. He recently completed a full refurbishment and extension of a Grade II listed villa in Islington.

He has previously completed a number of projects including the refurbishment and basement extension of a six-bedroom house in Wandsworth.

Julimar MirandaSite ManagerBased on site, Julimar manages a team of skilled craftspeople, ensuring professional and timely project delivery. He recently completed a full renovation of a three-bedroom Grade II listed home in Southwark.

He has previously led a number of beautifully crafted refurbishments and extensions of sensitive historic homes in London.

Genevieve O'SullivanStudio AssistantGenevieve manages our administration, finances, graphic design and marketing. She gained a degree in architecture from London Metropolitan University.

Previously, Genevieve was a project manager at SCP Contracts, where she led a team of consultants and contractors, monitoring quality in production and installation on sites throughout London.