Armidale resident Kylie Mitchell, who designed Art House One, claimed the main design category award at the presentation in front of more than 140 people.

She also received a commendation for residential interiors and ended as runner-up in the overall Award of Excellence.

Ms Mitchell said the award was very satisfying given the amount of effort involved in building the house.

“It was a wonderful surprise to receive the award,” she said.

“The idea for Art House One was made back in 2009, but it was another 12 months before we were even able to start on it.

“So there’s been so much work put into getting it up and running.”

Ms Mitchell said Art House One was unique because of its compact and sustainable design.

“It’s an artwork that you can actually live inside of,” she said.

“The building is designed to eliminate all wastes of space, which makes it both economical and environmentally friendly.”

While the house is compact, it contains a main bedroom with walk-in robe, a multi-purpose guest room, an open plan lounge and a dining room.

The sustainable design features include thermal mass and double glazed windows to take advantage of solar passive heating.

The home is designed to reflect a single abstract art theme throughout every aspect of the house.

Ms Mitchell has been a building designer for the past 12 years and is also an artist specialising in abstract work.

Her inspiration for the house came from a painting she produced a few years ago.

She is able to express her artistic purpose through using the four walls of the house as giant canvasses.

Ms Mitchell is now planning another project, Art House Two.

It will involve a different art theme.

Construction for the house will begin later this year.