Dulux Colour Awards

A trio of outstanding examples in interior design from across the Geelong region have made the shortlist in this year’s Dulux Colour Awards.

Regarded as the leading awards program recognising the innovative use of colour in the built environment, the Dulux Colour Awards has become synonymous with architectural excellence.

• The 37th iteration of the annual awards sees the 113 finalists selected in seven categories: Commercial Interior – Public and Hospitality;
• Commercial Interior – Workplace and Retail;
• Commercial and Multi-Residential Exterior;
• Residential Interior; Single Residential Exterior; and,
• Student work for both Australia and New Zealand, culminating in the Australian and New Zealand Grand Prix awards.

The three local finalists are AB House in Barwon Heads by Office Mi-Ji, The River Studio in Newtown by Space Grace & Style, and Foam House in Torquay by Amelia Wilde Interior Design, all in the Residential Interior Category.

“Each year, the level of excellence increases, which makes our job particularly challenging,” said Dulux colour and communications manager Andrea Lucena-Orr, who also sat on the judging panel for selection of the finalists.

She said the level of excellence increased every year.

“It reflects the maturing appreciation of the role that colour plays in the built environment, as well as the courage architects and designers display with exciting innovation.

“This year’s finalists demonstrate the capacity for colour to be a fundamental and versatile design tool.

There are residential projects in which colour is cleverly used to delineate contemporary additions to older homes, competing with houses bearing bold graphic statements, and others in which subtle, yet all-encompassing tonal nuance is the primary design strategy.

“Similarly, there is an exceptional breadth of colour usage evident across the commercial categories and, it is safe to say, based on the extent of this year’s entries, that the days of ‘safe’ and predictable palettes in this sector are changing.

There is a notable playfulness and vibrancy demonstrated in all typologies, from education and office fitouts to health, retail and hospitality, with the use of murals, block colour and feature signage more prevalent than ever.

“We are also seeing the fun and functional use of colour in the burgeoning student category, where projects are typically forward-thinking and adventurous.”

She said the use of colour-blocking and graphic devices in bold hues on neutral bases was a noteable emerging trend.

“Earthy tones are always strong – this year, particularly, warm whites and neutrals, muted pastels and subtle greens are permeating many residential projects.

Contrastingly, deep, colour-saturated interiors are coming through, especially in moody blues, environmental greens, burnt reds and dusky pinks.

“We have also noticed a shift toward the consideration of painted architectural details, such as skirtings, window frames and doors, which inevitably adds a level of refinement to any project.”

The final judging panel comprises Andrew Piva, director of B.E Architecture; Brahman Perera, interdisciplinary designer and director of his eponymous studio; Lisa Lee, senior interior designer of Snøhetta; Sarah Carney, project director of CTRL Space; and, Byron George, director of Russell & George.

The winners of the 37th Dulux Colour Awards will be announced on May 11.