Australian and New Zealand design projects showcasing the most ambitious and innovative use of colour were awarded at last night’s 2022 Dulux Colour Awards.

The winning projects were selected from 103 finalists by a panel of five industry leaders: Adriana Hanna, director of architecture at Kennedy Nolan; Cushla McFadden, director at Tom Mark Henry; Olivia Macfarlane, director at UNDERCURRENT NZ; Adam Pustola, principal at Lyons Architecture; and David Welsh, Principal at Welsh+Major. The panel agreed that irrespective of scale, scope or program, this year’s exceptional projects challenged the norm through the highly considered specification of colour. 

‘Not only did we witness some remarkably creative, original projects, but this year we also saw colour strategies that challenged stereotypes, with ambitious programs and unparalleled impact, across a range of building typologies’ says Dulux colour and communications manager, Andrea Lucena-Orr.

Particularly epitomising is the The Australian Grand Prix winner, the Monash Robotics Lab by Studio Bright. This Melbourne-based architecture practice were the big winners of the night, receiving nods in four categories in addition to the top prize. 

‘The architects’ intent is to be applauded, for it stares stereotypes in the face and demonstrates the value of originality, ’said the judges of the Studio Bright’s approach to colour in Monash Robotics Lab. ‘In challenging the accepted norm of lab settings as colourless and sterile, it breaks down any stigma that may be associated with scientific endeavour, instead creating a warm, welcoming environment that encourages connection and playfulness.’

Similarly, the New Zealand Grand Prix winner, Pac Studio for Eden View, sees the architects reject the traditionally minimal approach to small spaces by saturating its kitchen and bathroom in bright, defined tones. The judges’ comments read, ‘Pac Studio has ambitiously designed a scheme to do much more than unite or revitalise an existing home; it has investigated the potential for colour to delineate space, affect mood and define identity.’ 

Based on these outstanding winners, expect to see many more exciting projects featuring calming sage green tones and vibrant yellows in the year to come! 

2022 Dulux Colour Awards winners

Grand Prix
Australia Winner: Monash Robotics Lab by Studio Bright
New Zealand Winner: Eden View by Pac Studio

Commercial Interior – Workplace & Retail
Winner: Lux Fx Lighting Showroom by If Architecture
Commendation: Money Bar by Chris Connell Design

Commercial Interior – Public & Hospitality
Winner: Project: Monash Robotics Lab by Studio Bright
Commendation: Di Stasio Carlton by Hassell
Commendation: Reading Space: The Common Room (Part Of Who’s Afraid Of Public Space Exhibition) by Nicola Cortese, Stephanie Pahnis, and Lauren Crockett

Residential Interior
Winner: Erskineville House by Lachlan Seegers Architect
Commendation: Autumn House by Studio Bright
Commendation: Eden View by Pac Studio 

Single Residential Exterior
Winner: House K By Kart Projects
Commendation: Autumn House by Studio Bright

Commercial & Multi-Residential Exterior
Winner: Cannon Hill Anglican College – D Block by Red Dog Architects
Commendation: Hughes Street Car Park by Collins & Turner
Commendation: Kids’ Bridge (Koolangka Bridge) by Fratelle And Beam 

Student
Winner: The Unspoken by Evelyn Wijaya (Unsw)
Commendation: Resuscitate by Krintel Krit (Unsw)

Visit the Dulux Colour Awards website for more info.