Winners revealed: 2018 Dulux Colour Awards

Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects’ Fitzroy Crossing Renal Hostel has been named overall winner of the 32nd Dulux Colour Awards, with the jury praising it for its “nuanced juxtaposition of contextually inspired hues.”

Winning projects across nine categories were announced at a gala event at the National Gallery of Victoria on 10 May, as part of a program recognizing creative and considered use of colour.

Fitzroy Crossing Renal Hostel took home the Grand Prix, and was also the winner in the Commercial Exterior Category. “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 jury said of the project.

This year’s awards garnered a record number of entries – more than 300 from around Australia and New Zealand.

Fitzroy Crossing Renal Hostel by Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects.

Fitzroy Crossing Renal Hostel by Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects.

Image: Peter Bennetts

The winners are:

Grand Prix winner and Commercial Exterior

Fitzroy Crossing Renal Hostel – Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects

Judging panel comment: “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.”

Abbotsford Studio by March Studio.

Abbotsford Studio by March Studio.

Image: Peter Bennetts

Commercial Interior: Workplace and Retail

Winner

Abbotsford Studio – March Studio

Judging panel comment: “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.”

Commendations

Williams Burton Leopardi Studio – Williams Burton Leopardi

Judging panel comment: “You would draw breath walking through the entry to this studio. The subtle use of colour is carefully curated, with a muted palette exuding a warmth that is more typically seen in a home or boutique hotel environment. As a backdrop to raw finishes, textured fabrics and timber furniture, it sets the tone for a serene, creative space.”

Red Energy – Carr Design Group

Judging panel comment: “The depth and balance in the composition of this repurposed factory is masterful, with the considered use of colour transformative.”

Wagaya by Span Design.

Wagaya by Span Design.

Image: Andrew Worssam/Jayden Huang

Commercial Interior: Public and Hospitality

Winner

Wagaya – Span Design

Judging panel comment: “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.”

Commendation

Scape – Foolscap studio

Judging panel comment: “Colour was integral to the design strategy for this submission, which sees the communal areas of new student accommodation distinguished by bold swathes of bright monochromatic tones. The contrast with raw materials in their natural state is innovative, uplifting and especially welcome in the inner-city context.”

Fitzroy Crossing Renal Hostel by Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects.

Fitzroy Crossing Renal Hostel by Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects.

Image: Peter Bennetts

Commercial Exterior

Winner

Fitzroy Crossing Renal Hostel – Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects

Commendation

Kangaroo Bay Pavilion – Preston Lane Architects

Judging panel comment: “This is a beautiful piece of architecture, in form and colour, with the predominant shades subtly drawn from the hues of the surrounding landscape. The muted tones of the ceiling, in particular, are impactful yet understated, softly reflecting the coastal context.”

Percy St by Bagnoli Architects.

Percy St by Bagnoli Architects.

Image: Ari Hatzis

Single Residential Interior

Winner

Percy St – Bagnoli Architects

Judging panel comment: “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.”

Commendations

Elsternwick House – Fiona Lynch

Judging panel comment: “This classically beautiful and sophisticated residence has been pared back for all the right reasons, and the monochromatic palette fits the architecture: white and black highlight structural elements and openings, while a range of greys tint the walls.”

Amarelo Terrace – Arent and Pyke

Judging panel comment: “The considered delivery of the whole project, fully resolved in composition, style and design, is evident here. It wasn’t forced, and results in a timelessness that is heightened by clever layering, materiality of finishes and an intimacy in the design and use of colour.”

Albert Park Curved Pleated Facade by Adeb Architects.

Albert Park Curved Pleated Facade by Adeb Architects.

Image: Jaime Diaz-Berrio

Single Residential Exterior

Winner

Albert Park Curved Pleated Facade – Adeb Architects

Judging panel comment: “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.”

North Perth Townhouse by Simon Pendal Architect.

North Perth Townhouse by Simon Pendal Architect.

Image: Robert Frith

Multi Residential Interior

Winner

North Perth Townhouse – Simon Pendal Architect

Judging panel comment: “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 matt 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.”

5 Sam Sing Street by Collins and Turner Architects and Environa Studio.

5 Sam Sing Street by Collins and Turner Architects and Environa Studio.

Image: Richard Glover

Multi Residential Exterior

Winner

5 Sam Sing Street – Collins and Turner Architects and Environa Studio

Crimson Education Office by OPL.

Crimson Education Office by OPL.

Image: Patrick Loo

Judging panel comment: “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 facade is heightened by tonal variation and depth of colour to create interest in what would otherwise be dull vertical planes.”

International

Winner

Crimson Education Office – OPL

Judging panel comment: “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 – Cymon Allfrey Architects

Judging panel comment: “This bach is a brave little 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.”

Arcade St by Melanie Modafferi, The University of Melbourne.

Arcade St by Melanie Modafferi, The University of Melbourne.

Image: Melanie Modafferi

Student

Winner

Arcade St – Melanie Modafferi, The University of Melbourne

Judging panel comment: “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 Body – Qun Zhang, The University of Melbourne

Judging panel comment: “In a similar response to community need as the winning project in this category, the use of colour in this proposal generates a sense of soul and an atmosphere of calm. Throughout the form, each colour view is unique and the play of light and shadow is visually striking. It demonstrates how colour can itself become form and illumination.”

The 32nd Dulux Colour Awards finalists were judged by: Miriam Fanning (founder and principal interior designer of Mim Design), David Hicks (director of David Hicks), Katelin Butler (editor of Houses magazine), David Flack (founder of Flack Studio), and Murali Bhaskar (design director of Boon Goldsmith Bhaskar Brebner Team Architects in New Zealand).

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