2017 Dulux Colour Awards Winners

In the 31st anniversary year of the iconic Dulux Colour Awards, combined to define the winning projects across nine individual categories.
Announced at a gala event on Wednesday 10 May, The Dulux Colour Awards looks to uncover the most inventive use of colour in built environments across Australia, New Zealand and beyond. Each year the panel look for the submissions that take creativity to new heights and this year’s award winners broke free of all tradition to deliver concepts that truly represent the future of colour and design.”

The 2017 Dulux Colour Awards winners are:
Grand Prix and Commercial Exterior

Judging panel comment: The building’s colour scheme was the result of a collaboration with Sonia van de Haar of Lymesmith – Polychromy who utilised the Australian Standard colour palette. Nodding to the assertive presence of the horizon over Bondi, the datum line created in the building is just one of the well-considered design elements that makes this building work so well within its natural setting. A timeless accomplishment that has been created for the mass, yet is still so beautifully considered.

Commercial Interior – Public Spaces & Hospitality Winner
Judging panel comment: As a celebration of a distinctly Australian space, this submission really meets the brief and truly depicts Australia. This complex use of colour shows the architect has really considered how varying light might bring the chosen colours to life to mimic the changing patterns of light around a pool over the course of a day. This submission epitomises why investing time in colour selection is so important.

Commercial Interior – Workplace & Retail Winner

Judging panel comment: As a workspace of one of Australia’s most successful investment management companies, this is a difficult space to make something of. Briefed to create a space which connects people whilst adhering to the brand values, the architect has shown restraint in matching an interesting palette, using a lighter substructure to offset the darker tones. The result is outstanding as the architect has created an environment that is comfortable to be in all day.

International Winner Antarctic Heritage Trust – Hillary’s Hut/Antarctic Heritage Trust

Judging panel comment: In the middle of a snow storm, finding shelter fast can be the difference between life and death. In 1957, the intense orange and yellow of Hillary’s Hut was a beacon to those caught out by the weather. This submission shows a creative use of heritage colours for the purpose of safety and longevity. The interior design is particularly commended here as the architect has used a different colour for each plane, demonstrating a completeness in the architect’s idea of offering guests a stark contrast to the ice conditions outside.

Single Residential Interior Winner

Judging panel comment: To create a joyful apartment renovation in Footscray, Melbourne, the palette was selected to compliment and soften the tones of the existing structure to add warmth and visual interest to the space. Aligning with sensibility by using very muted palettes, this witty and effective design is refreshing.

Single Residential Exterior Winner

Judging panel comment: Rather than demolishing this building, the job at hand was to retain the existing bungalow and inject a new lease of life to the building. Whilst still reinforcing the historical precedent of the region, the architect has presented a livable colour scheme. This submission demonstrates the importance of why people should be inspired by and explore colour matching.

Multi Residential Interior Winner

Judging panel comment: Dubbed the “Richmond six-pack” the Coppin Street apartments replaces a dilapidated single dwelling. Now home to six unique apartments, each uniquely personalised. We’re seeing a shift towards people changing colour palettes more regularly to align with fashion trends. The bright colours on the doors are a key focus in each apartment and offset the industrial material palette of the background. This submission pulls together its colour scheme in a refreshing way whilst ensuring all elements work well together.

Multi Residential Exterior Winner

Judging panel comment: A wonderful example of creativity, whereby the architect has utilised materials to create colour shading and has deployed the colour on differentiated textures to deliver two tones from just one hue. Situated within an aboriginal heritage site, amongst ancient red gums, the bronze exterior colour works to create texture and lustre in certain light conditions, complementing its environment.