Winners were announced at the National Gallery of Victoria for these awards which celebrate bold and innovative use of colour from projects across Australasia. Fifteen New Zealand designers were on the shortlist this year and showed up in full force at the event, representing Kiwi design well. 

The Crimson Education Office in Auckland, designed by Patrick Loo of OPL won in the International category at this year’s event. Murali Bhasker, of New Zealand architecture firm BOON, judged this year’s awards and was very impressed with Patrick’s discretionary but deliberate use of colour in this project.

Dulux design & colour specialist Davina Harper adds, “All of us at Dulux are absolutely thrilled for Patrick and think this project represented not only an inspired use of colour but also the architecture and interior design talent we have in New Zealand.”

Patrick said, “I am honoured for the project to have been recognised alongside all of the strong work from across New Zealand. It has been a great experience to meet and celebrate with all of the finalists and to have won the International category is a truly fantastic result.” He wanted to highlight and celebrate all of the amazing work being created in New Zealand.

Also in the International category, a commendation was given to The Family Bach by Christchurch-based firm Cymon Allfrey Architects. “This bach is a brave project. Its front elevation is striking and vibrant, and its play of angles and surfaces is continued throughout. Punches of yellow against the raw natural materials are a source of delight, and it must have been a feat to get through the strict regulations of the area,” Murali explained.

Nine other winners were named from across Australia. Davina concluded, “[They] epitomise the value of our awards programme, which recognises the most creative and innovative use of colour in the built environment.”

See a full list of winners with jury comments below.

International

Winner – Crimson Education Office by OPL

The jury said, “This interior takes one colour and uses it with discretion and flair to create definition within the space. The crimson tone highlighting internal architectural elements deliberately contrasts and complements the backdrop of natural materials and shades of white, and the overall effect is clear and cohesive.” 

Commendation – The Family Bach by Cymon Allfrey Architects

Commercial Exterior

Winner (also the winner of the Grand Prix Award) – Fitzroy Crossing Renal Hostel (WA) by Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects

The jury noted, ”An exemplary piece of architecture, whose impact is heightened, and even defined by, the considered use of colour, the Fitzroy Crossing Renal Hostel is the clear overall winner of this year’s Grand Prix. The nuanced juxtaposition of contextually inspired hues demonstrates an understanding of the strength of colour and its relevance in the Australian landscape.”

“Every colour in this project has meaning and, in its remote environmental context as well as its functional context – that is, the building’s purpose – it is stunning. The architects’ resolved use of colour exemplifies its ability to transform a structure and to generate a sense of place, and the level of sophistication in which it is employed here is exceptional.”

Commendation – Kangaroo Bay Pavilion (TAS) by Preston Lane Architects

Commercial Interior: Workplace and Retail

Winner – Abbotsford Studio (VIC) by March Studio

The judges commented, “In this project, colour has been used to transform an industrial space into something more akin to an art installation. This bold, creative solution demonstrates a courageous design approach, incorporating the proportional and unassuming use of colour. Selected from a diverse range of entries, the studio stands out as an inspiring workplace that truly represents the personality of the company within.”

Commendation – Williams Burton Leopardi Studio (SA) by Williams Burton Leopardi

Commendation – Red Energy (VIC) by Carr Design Group 

Commercial Interior: Public and Hospitality

Winner – Wagaya (NSW) by Span Design

“Wagaya transports you to a different emotion and place akin to Japan. It was a standout entry, with clever use of colour and light defining what the space is about, particularly the way colour behaves in hand with lighting. Playing with neon illumination and colour can be tricky, and is difficult to master, but the neon against the selected tones in this interior adds another dimension to the space, creating an ethereal feel,” the judges noted.

Commendation – Scape (VIC) by Foolscap Studio

Multi Residential Exterior

Winner – 5 Sam Sing Street (NSW) by Collins and Turner Architects and Environa Studio

The jury said, “This project stands out for a number of reasons. It is an example of repetition done well, with the extensive use of colour serving to enhance the architectural form and be distinctive in its context, without becoming a jarring eyesore. The play of light and shadow, solidity and translucency, across the façade is heightened by tonal variation and depth of colour to create interest in what would otherwise be dull vertical planes.”

Multi Residential Interior

Winner – North Perth Townhouse (WA) by Simon Pendal Architect

“A clear, concise concept at the heart of this entry separates it from the rest. With bold hues cutting through a base of white, the internal spaces are cleverly defined, while a play of gloss and matte paint finishes adds another dimension to the form. There is no subtlety here; instead, there’s an unwavering commitment to the use of contrasting tones to delineate the interior,” the jury commented.

Single Residential Exterior

Winner – Albert Park Curved Pleated Façade (VIC) by ADEB Architects

The judges noted, “This soft, elegant addition to a heritage home demonstrates an innovative use of colour. The application of Metallic Pearl on the serrated façade is extremely brave – it is usually reserved for trims, and small touches – with the result creating a glistening finish of varying tones, depending upon the light conditions, and contrasting beautifully with the red and ochre brickwork. Importantly, it sits comfortably within the broader external landscape.”

Single Residential Interior

Winner – Percy St (VIC) by Bagnoli Architects

“Underpinned by an innovative approach to its philosophy and execution, this entry has a beautiful energy and innocence, which captures the essence of what the Dulux Colour Awards mean to us. The exploration of colour is soft and serene, yet commanding, and responds to the architectural form rather than being simply applied to a surface. With greys, blacks and splashes of colour, the interior scheme flows seamlessly to the exterior, demonstrating how the consideration of colour in a design concept can add light and depth to a home,” the jury said.

Commendation – Elsternwick House (VIC) by Fiona Lynch

Commendation – Amarelo Terrace (NSW) by Arent & Pyke

Student

Winner – Arcade St (VIC) by Melanie Modafferi, The University of Melbourne

The judges commented, “Through the measured use of colour, this project creates a sense of place and home in an area where immigration is prevalent. Punctuated with colour, the façade treatment is a bold response to this urban context and enhances its surrounding environment. The simplicity of it is beautiful.”

Commendation – The Sleeping Boy (VIC) by Qun Zhang, The University of Melbourne