We are a sustainable London builder, delivering inspirational homes and workplaces with Passivhaus principles.

Our residential projects include new build architectural homes, refurbishments of heritage properties and house extensions at all scales. We can offer a complete turn-key solution, including design and build, sustainable refurbishment analysis, structural engineering, landscaping, specialist M&E and joinery.

Our team of craftspeople work toward the most stringent Passivhaus eco-design principles of airtightness, insulation, triple glazing and MVHR. This approach enables us to deliver low-energy properties that are healthy, warm and comfortable throughout the year with exceptionally low running costs.

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London house extension builder

Design and Build Approach

We specialise in creating bespoke architectural homes, and have a unique, architect-led design and build service in London and the south east.

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

We have a 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.

Expertise in London Homes

Our work includes both new build London homes and sensitive additions to heritage properties, including listed buildings and those in conservation areas.

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

Our preferred material palette of clay, lime, stone and timber is defined by a desire to create healthy, low VOC and low embodied energy spaces.

Whilst we can offer a complete design and build service, we also work with other designers to provide construction services only.

A Sustainable Builder

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, delivering low-energy properties that are healthy, warm and comfortable throughout the year.

We build fossil fuel free homes, 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. We have particular expertise in the installation of renewables such as solar panels, PV panels and heat pumps; including to heritage and listed properties.

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. If you are looking for a sustainable builder in London we’d be delighted to discuss your project.

A Professional Builder

Whilst we specialise in individual residential projects, we offer the professional approach of a larger building contractor. We invest in the skill of our team, encouraging development training and mentorship through a programme of skill-based courses. Our team of builders in London includes a Passivhaus-certified tradesperson and CSCS-qualified site managers.

At all times, we aspire to be the most professional and courteous builder in London. Our reputation for quality and reliability is derived from our exquisite workmanship and finishing skills.

AFL Build Clients

“We could not be happier with the outcome of our flat refurbishment. From our initial conversation with AFL Build to the completion of a stunning, stylish, and functional space, every step was met with thoughtfulness and skill. The construction team was incredibly considerate, understanding our vision while also ensuring our neighbours’ satisfaction throughout the process. We are thrilled with the results and highly recommend their services” – Anne McKenzie, Belsize Park NW3

“AFL Build completed a rear extension and adaptations to my Edwardian house to accommodate a disability. Our house extension blends in beautifully and was carefully constructed to meet all our needs and maximise the limited space. I’m filled with joy when I go into the kitchen each morning” – Bernadette Wright, Bow E3

Team

Becky Wootton, Ben Ridley, Riccardo Milletari, Steve Brockman, Erika Viterbo, Monica Olim, Matt Wickham, Timmy Bici, Qazim Kelmendi, Fernando Nonato, Julimar Miranda, Edi Dauti

Becky WoottonAssociate DirectorBecky 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 each completed home.

She is currently working on several low-energy residential projects, including a house extension and retrofit 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.

Ben RidleyDirectorBen founded AFL Build and he leads our design and build 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 houses.

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 at a variety of building contractors in London. Riccardo has a master's in architecture from the University of Palermo in Italy.

Steve BrockmanProject ManagerSteve leads on coordinating our site teams and project planning to ensure works are carried out to programme. He is a Certified Passivhaus Tradesperson.

Steve studied architecture at The Architectural Association and quantity surveying at Leeds University. Before joining our team, Steve directed his own scaffolding company and has developed a portfolio of properties that he renovated and retrofitted. He has played rugby at a professional standard and is the proud father of two basset hounds.

Erika ViterboProject ManagerErika Viterbo is a skilled project manager and architect with a comprehensive background in construction and design. Prior to joining Architecture for London, Erika worked for both architectural practices and construction companies, gaining experience across all project stages.

Her experience includes residential, commercial and cultural schemes, with notable projects being Old Post House, the extension of the Open Air Theatre, and the Victoria and Albert museum courtyard café.

Monica OlimFinance ManagerMonica is a CIMA part-qualified finance professional with extensive experience in finance management and accounting roles across various industries. Monica previously worked as a Finance Assistant for FM Conways on projects with Transport for London.

Earlier in her career, Monica gained experience in bookkeeping and payroll management at Tony Pestana Builders and Azinor Intercontinental, overseeing purchase ledgers, cash controls, and compliance with tax regulations. Her multi-industry experience and multilingual skills support her ability to navigate diverse finance roles effectively.

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 for a small builder in London. He has a unique perspective on designing and constructing buildings of exceptional quality. He is currently working on an extension and refurbishment of a grade 2 listed house in Primrose Hill, Camden.

Timmy BiciSite ManagerTimmy is an experienced site manager, who was worked on many projects with the AFL team. He recently completed a refurbishment and extension project for a wheel chair user, which required careful liaison with the client, to allow access throughout the job. He also completed a refurbishment of a listed property in a conservation area in Islington on a tight budget and programme.

Qazim KelmendiSite ManagerQazim is one of our most experienced site managers. He has worked with the AFL team for several years, completing our Georgian House project in Tredegar Square, among others. He has wide experience with residential projects and particularly with listed building projects, loft conversions and basements.

He recently completed a refurbishment of a flat in a conservation area of Belsize Park. He is an excellent problem-solver and works closely with the whole team to resolve any issues arising on site.

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 completed a number of projects including the refurbishment and basement extension of a large six-bedroom house in Wandsworth whilst managing sites for a previous London builder.

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 2 listed home in Southwark.

He has previously worked as a house extension builder in London to create a number of beautifully crafted refurbishments and extensions of sensitive historic homes.

Edi DautiSite ManagerBased on site, Edi manages a team of skilled builders, 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.