A FIRST-TIME self-builder has scooped a national award for her sustainable oak-framed eco home in Kinver.

Patsy Parr has been awarded Spirit of Self Build and Readers' Choice at The Daily Telegraph Homebuilding & Renovating Awards 2021 for innovative her 'Little Gem' home development.

The 28-year-old commissioned the project to turn an abandoned workshop tucked away on a sloping site surrounded by 50 protected trees into an eco-friendly and affordable first home nearly two years ago - and it was built in just 22 weeks during a global pandemic and to a tight budget.

The competition judges described 'Little Gem' as "an inspirational project" and said: “Patsy’s project really showcases how being brave, owning your budget and persevering can lead to you living your dream, even if you are faced with a pandemic. The story, and the owner, behind this project certainly capture the spirit of self-build.”

Patsy said of her win: "“Building ‘Little Gem’ was a personal achievement for me and I’m really proud it’s been recognised by the award judges."

Working with architects Eclipse and specialist oak frame company Enville Oak, based in Enville, she managed to build and protect the quirky home with Plumis’ innovative watermist suppression for £191,000.

Determined to build a high specification property, featuring the latest technology, she said: "After spending so much to build my own eco house, I wanted to make sure it was well protected – especially given it is made of oak – and in the event of a fire that the suppression system I did have in place, wouldn’t destroy the interiors."

She added: “I love problem-solving technology and Plumis ticked all the boxes for me and building control. From a personal point of view, I feel safe in my house and that my dream home is well protected.”