Animal carcasses and fossils are just some of the Turner Prize-winning installations that have divided critics over what can and cannot be deemed art.

This year's winning nomination looks set to continue the trend as judges of the prestigious contemporary art prize have widened the definitions of contemporary art, choosing an architectural collective as the winner for the first time.

Assemble was awarded the prize for their work refurbishing 10 houses in Granby, Liverpool, an area which had fallen into disrepair.

Jewish founding member of the collective, Paloma Strelitz, said the group was surprised to be nominated, adding: "We sit between disciplines. Many of us have been to art schools."

Ms Strelitz, 28, describes the collective as a collaboration of architecture and art and design.

At the Turner Prize exhibition they showcased their work through a showroom of a social enterprising workshop set up in Granby to help the community.

The workshop, which recycles materials from derelict houses into home furnishings, aims to bring commercial activity back to the area and employ local people.

The 16 core members of the collective attended the ceremony on Monday night to receive the prize cheque of £25,000.

New North London synagogue member Ms Strelitz said: "We were massively shocked because it wasn't anything we anticipated. It is very exciting."

The former pupil of North London Collegiate said the money will be used for other projects they are currently working on.