The winners of the 2013 Dulux Colour Awards were announced on 20 March at Luminare in Melbourne. The Awards are a litmus for what’s happening with colour in architectural design. Judge Debbie Ryan (McBride Charles Ryan) noted a similar theme occuring across all projects and categories in this year’s entries and winners: “There was an obvious trend in the ambitious use of bright colours and pattern across all categories both exterior and interior this year with many projects exhibiting a strong sense of place and context”.
Grand Prix: Atherton Gardens HUB Development by McCabe Architects and Bird de la Coeur Architects.
Image: John Gollings
The top prize – the Grand Prix — was awarded to Atherton Gardens HUB Development in Melbourne for its innovative use of colour in architecture and design. Co-designed by McCabe Architects and Bird de la Coeur Architects, Atherton Gardens HUB Development also won the Multi Residential Exterior category, with judges commending how a combined use of pattern and colour was successfully woven to create a rich tapestry aesthetic.
Jury: Debbie Ryan (McBridge Charles Ryan), Dana Tomic Hughes (Yellowtrace), Adrian Doyle (Blender Studios), and Denise L’Estrange-Corbet (NZ fashion designer and entrepreneur).
Grand Prix (and Multi Residential Exterior)
Atherton Gardens HUB Development by McCabe Architects and Bird de la Coeur Architects
Jury comment
Atherton Gardens HUB Development exhibited exceptional bold use of colour on the external façade of the balconies which in turn created a vibrant impact and strong contrast against the white external walls.
Commercial Exterior: Wintergarden Facade by Studio 505.
Image: John Gollings
Commercial Exterior
Wintergarden Facade by Studio 505
Jury comment
The project presented a beautiful optimism of a butterfly-like paradise and was further interpreted in a very Australian way. The colourful powder-coated metal created an almost spiritual quality and can be likened to a cathedral.
Commendation
Knox Innovation Opportunity Sustainability Centre (KIOSC) by Woods Bagot
Commercial Interior: John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School Campus by Brooking Design Architects.
Image: Brooking Design Practice
Commercial Interior
John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School (JSRACS) Campus, Western Australia by Brooking Design Architects
Jury comment
Judges were extremely impressed with the beautiful layering and complete compositional use of colour throughout the project. Playful, peaceful and sophisticated, the colours were pushed to the next level without being overwhelming. Plywood ceilings above successfully tied the space together. The project is a fine example of using bright colours in harmony to create an exciting environment for children without introducing the usual primary colours.
Commendations
QV Amenities by Russell & George
Wayside Chapel by Environa Studio
Single Residential Exterior: Annandale House by CO-AP Architects.
Image: Ross Honeysett
Single Residential Exterior
Annandale House by CO-AP Architects
Jury comment
Judges were impressed with the subtle, cohesive and sophisticated use of colour which successfully engaged the exterior with its interior. According to the judging panel, the scheme came alive through the use of colours that traditionally wouldn’t be used together. This project shows that with a creative use of colour a heritage space can complement a new modern addition in any home.
Commendation
North Avenue by Rolf Ockert Architects
Single Residential Interior: Queen St Residence by Edwards Moore Projects.
Image: Fraser Marsden
Single Residential Interior
Queen St Residence by Edwards Moore Projects
Jury comment
Judges commented on the diverse selection of colours used and the injection of personality into the residence by successfully capturing the reflections from bright accents and the use of bright yellow trims, which wash the white walls with colour. The interior architecture was sharp while simultaneously injecting a sense of play into the space. Judges also observed that the upstairs and downstairs areas complemented each other significantly well.
Commendation
Unit 23 by Daarc
Multi Residential Interior
87 Chapel St by MGS Architects
Student: Backyard Shinanigans by Adrian Rivalland (RMIT).
Jury comment
This project was selected as the category winner for its strong use of vibrant colours. Judges believed it was this ingenious palette of colour that elevated the project from only existing in a realm of mundane and ordinary into a much more exciting, engaging interior space.
Student
Backyard Shinanigans by Adrian Rivalland (RMIT)
Jury comment
Judges were impressed with the use of colour, context and contrast to create a space that is community friendly.
Commendation
North Eveleigh Cinematheque by Tiffany Liew (University of Sydney).
