West Suffolk-based Seamans Building has won national recognition for its work on the restoration of Cupola House in Bury St Edmunds following the fire which devastated the Grade 1-listed building in 2012.

Seamans, which is based at Thurston, near Bury, has now picked up the Heritage Project of the Year trophy awarded by the National Federation of Buildings (NFB).

Cupola House, which dates from 1693, required extensive rebuilding and restoration, with the work including ornate plastering with gold leaf decoration and the reconstruction of a five-storey oak staircase and the iconic octagonal cupola which crowns the building.

Duncan Haydon, chief executive at Seamans, said: “We are delighted to win the prestigious NFB Heritage Project of the Year Award. It’s a huge achievement and is testament to our exceptional team and the construction excellence we offer at Seamans Building.”

He added: “We believe that by nurturing graduates, apprentices and craftsmen we can ensure that the quality of traditional skills and values are protected for future generations.

“Operating throughout East Anglia, our commitment to quality is based on developing exceptional teams; using modern techniques whilst safeguarding traditional skills and craftsmanship.”

A spokesman for the NFB said: “Without these skills the industry will be unable to repair and care for our country’s historic buildings, highlighting the need for immediate, strong and sustained action to prevent further erosion of the skills base.”