This was the idea behind the 1+2 House in Wickham, or as it is called now it is occupied, Vicki's Place.

Many looking to build their own home are under the impression that the expertise and sophistication of a one-of-a-kind architect-designed residence is out of their reach. But this needn't be the case.

Designed by architect Warren Haasnoot at the Curious Practice firm, Vicki's Place is champagne creativity on a sparkling wine budget. Owner and grandmother Vicki needed a low maintenance, no-frills home that could comfortably house her and her family, whenever they needed to stay.

"She wanted a two-bedroom home with a separate studio that embodied flexibility and fun. She was also against having any plasterboards or paint used and we had to stick to a budget," Haasnoot says, and so his challenge, as well as the builders', Built By Eli, was underway.

In order to make more space on a small 200-square-metre allotment, the only way is up. Another factor was that Wickham is a low-lying suburb and prone to flooding, and due to council regulations, this new home had to be above the flood line, which is 1.6 metres. To meet these requirements, it was designed as a split-level home and is built raised up on concrete masonry to withstand the weather.

The cost savings largely reside in the thrifty nature of the build, from the materials used and an out-of-the-square approach to what modern living can look like and what it actually needs to include.

From the street the home looks rectangular and almost fortress-like. It's modern and strong.

The materials used externally such as brick, recycled spotted gum and steel were chosen for their ability to age gracefully.

"We've used robust materials that will take a beating," Warren says.

Walk inside the compound and you'll instantly feel like you're in a Spanish mission. A small courtyard and private garden form the focal point from the upstairs balcony and windows.

"It provides a connection from above back to the ground. It's one of my favourite features."

The self-contained studio faces Fleming Street and receives plenty of natural light due to the north-facing position of the home. It has a small kitchenette with sink, stove and room for a fridge, plus double bedroom and en suite. Birch ply joinery was used for the cabinets, as well as ready-made hardware to keep things simple.

"We used off-cuts for the bathroom cabinets and the floor, walls and ceiling uses low grade plywood. We made the light fixtures ourselves by hand."

The main part of the house is a masterclass in the use of space (the internal area is less than 100 square metres), and a balance of ideas between privacy and openness.

"Layering the house provided more flexibility," Warren explains. "By not having doors, it has feelings of a Pacific Island home; it's all connected. Vicki enjoys travelling, and it's a reflection of those ideas. Plus there's something nice about having that holiday feeling all the time."

An upper level has two bedrooms, separated by a bathroom. The lower level has a kitchen along one wall, with seating down the other. Concrete flooring and timber ply walls finished with Argan oil make for durable, practical surrounds. A cosy combustion stove and gas heating provides warmth; clever placement of louvre windows allows for cool breezes and cross-flow in summer.

Every space and inclusion has purpose and yet there is a fluidity due to the simplicity.

"When designing this home I realised that any leftover space became valuable. Rainwater tanks are under the main floor, a laundry and summer undercover al fresco area are under the bedrooms and an outdoor shower hides around the back wall."

The garage is essentially a carport as it has no rear wall, allowing a connection to the street and house facade when the doors are open. Plus, it's a great place for kids to play, securely.

The house has been recognised for its clever use of brick and masonry with a national Think Brick Award for best New Entrant, announced in August. The judges were impressed by the pragmatism of the build, as well as the playfulness of the overall aesthetic.

"Humble with a beautifully considered composition. This project approaches the basics of construction and is able to find delight and invention in them," the jury concluded.

With the build taking just over six months, the project has been a success even with the constraints faced.

"We took pride and care in this design and build, and most importantly Vicki is happy with her new home."