INCA AWARDS 2026 – THE WINNERS
The winners of the 2026 INCA Awards were announced at a glittering ceremony held at the Midland Hotel in the heart of Manchester which was attended by around 250 INCA members and their guests representing external wall insulation industry from across the UK. The event was hosted and compered by the accomplished comedian, actor, presenter and writer, Hal Cruttenden.
This year there were a total of 11 project categories and 5 non-project categories and we’re now delighted to be able to present the winners to you in brochure form:
INCA AWARDS 2026 – THE WINNERS
The winners of the 2026 INCA Awards were announced at a glittering ceremony held at the Midland Hotel in the heart of Manchester which was attended by around 250 INCA members and their guests representing external wall insulation industry from across the UK. The event was hosted and compered by the accomplished comedian, actor, presenter and writer, Hal Cruttenden.
This year there were a total of 11 project categories and 5 non-project categories and we’re now delighted to be able to present the winners to you in brochure form:
INCA Awards 2026 – Winners Brochure
Alternatively the winners and images with links to further information are listed below (click anywhere within each category to open up a new tab with further information):
High Rise – Render Finish Category
WINNER: Suttons Wharf – Saint-Gobain Weber & A²O Facades
Judges Comments: “a really strong example of a technically demanding high-rise remediation project delivered to a very high standard.”
High Rise – Brick / Brick Effect Finish Category
REFURBISHMENT WINNER: Littlecross House – K Systems & Rateavon
Judges Comments: “A standout high-rise refurbishment which seamlessly integrates multiple high performance façade systems into a single design delivering a major thermal upgrade ahead of programme.”
High Rise – Brick / Brick Effect Finish Category
NEW BUILD WINNER: The Fairfax – Aliva UK & Stoneguard Projects North
Judges Comments: “Attention to detail and high installation accuracy showcasing precision at scale – an outstanding technical outcome for a development of this scale and complexity.”
Mid Rise – Render Finish Category
WINNER: Mercantile Hotel – Baumit
Judges Comments: “Standing out for balancing modern building performance with character and a great example of how EWI can transform a building whilst maintaining its key historic detailing.”
Mid Rise – Brick / Brick Effect Finish Category
WINNER: The Heights Annexe Extension – Caparol UK
Judges Comments: “Excellent material selection, application standards and strong thermal performance – standing out for how convincingly it integrates with, and sits seamlessly alongside, the prominent existing frontage.”
Low Rise Non-Residential – Render Finish Category
WINNER: Weston Airport – Baumit
Judges Comments: “A striking redevelopment which delivers a significant upgrade in thermal performance and equips the building for modern day demands but all this without erasing its history.”
Low Rise Non-Residential – Brick / Brick Effect Finish Category
WINNER: Drakelow Park Academy – Caparol UK & K&E Peck
Judges Comments: “Excellent brickwork across three brick colours which were perfectly matched to an existing stable block, coupled with an EWI system delivering a durable, thermally high-performing façade and all installed with genuine architectural craft.”
Low Rise Residential – Render Finish Category
WINNER 1: Brooklyn’s Close – Rockwool Wall Systems & Cardo Group
Judges Comments: “Designed and installed to the highest retrofit standards and an excellent example of how external wall insulation can transform homes and communities.”
Low Rise Residential – Render Finish Category
WINNER 2: Calder Road – K Systems & Insulated Render Systems
Judges Comments: “A dramatic, space-age modernisation and a stunning example of how and innovative external wall insulation solution can successfully modernise legacy housing.”
Low Rise Residential – Brick / Brick Finish Category
WINNER: Kinnock Court – Structherm Ltd & Joyner Group
Judges Comments: “A stand-out scheme taking a genuine fabric-first approach that delivered improved EPC ratings alongside a striking multi-brick aesthetic.”
Small Project Of The Year Award (<300sq metres)
WINNER: Sandford Grange – PPG Architectural Coatings
Judges Comments: “A genuinely worthy winner which demonstrates real skill in honouring original detailing while sensitively extending the building for contemporary use.”
Special Award For Social Impact
WINNER: Master William’s Place – Aliva UK & Browns Construction
Judges Comments: “This special award goes to a project that is recognised for what it means and not just what it delivered – the story, and its genuine impact on the community makes it worthy of this recognition.”
Project Of The Year – Retrofit
WINNER: Brooklyn’s Close – Rockwool Wall Systems & Cardo Group
Judges Comments: “Through a combination of significant thermal improvements, PAS 2035-compliant design, outstanding collaboration and a striking visual transformation, the project demonstrates the power of quality retrofit to improve lives in so many ways.”
Project Of The Year – New Build
WINNER: The Fairfax – Aliva UK & Stoneguard Projects North
Judges Comments: “Intricate design, standout detailing and the meticulous installation of 11,000 square metres of clay and ceramic brick slips, with a need for varying thicknesses of insulation and demanding U value targets adding to the challenge, makes this project a very worthy winner.”
Innovation Award for Product or Service
WINNER: STEICO UK
Judges Comments: “Whilst wood fibre may not be a new form of insulation nominations wanted to recognise this company’s considerable efforts in developing new systems and in getting this material accepted within the mainstream UK EWI industry – thereby opening the doors for even more sustainable EWI solutions and hence increased opportunities for our sector.”
Initiative Award for EWI Training
WINNER: Efficiency North – The Real Green Skills Accelerator Initiative in Leeds
Judges Comments: “A brand new, first-of-its-kind training initiative focussed on helping the long-term unemployed train and prepare for a career in EWI through both classroom learning and hands-on experience on a live social housing site – recognised locally, nationally and even by Government as a benchmark example of industry-led training.”
INCA Associate Member of the Year
WINNER: Protektor Wemico
Just some of the comments: “Excellent in terms of customer and technical service – they haven’t put a foot wrong. Often overlooked, yet their technical excellence has always led the industry to better standards. Faultless, reliable customer service and the highest standard of technical support.”
INCA Installer of the Year
WINNER: Gaffney & Guinan Ltd
Just some of the comments: “A renowned and established EWI installer that has been serving our industry, with a passion for exceptional standards and quality, for over 30 years. They may not have a glamourous social media presence or a new business development sales team, but they continue to be one of the most robust, safe and reliable installation contractors known in this industry.They have a focus and dedication on delivering on their commitments and are consistently praised by many of the National Tier 1 Contractors who have worked with them.”
Industry Recognition Award
WINNER: Paul Kirby
Having very recently retired after devoting 40 years of service to our industry it’s befitting that we recognise Paul’s outstanding contribution by way of this award. His deep understanding of the ever evolving funding landscape and ability to navigate complex regulatory environments has positioned him as a thought leader and trusted advisor to colleagues across the market, and his ability to identify commercial opportunities has been invaluable to the industry’s growth.
Paul has championed quality standards and compliance across the sector, earning the respect and admiration of peers and colleagues alike. But, above all, he is known for being approachable, generous with his time, and a true gentleman — qualities that have made him a mentor to many and a valued friend to all who have worked with him.
As he enters retirement, the industry loses not only a skilled strategist and commercially astute leader, but also a genuine ambassador for professionalism and integrity.
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