Exceptional displays of colour and a wealth of adventurous innovations were showcased at the 2021 Dulux Colour Awards.
The accolades were announced at a virtual gala event in September, with the winning projects selected from 437 entries from across New Zealand and Australia.
“As our renowned industry awards programme celebrates its 35th year, we are witnessing high levels of innovation with colour,” Dulux colour specialist Davina Harper said. “It’s driving design concepts and sparking entire strategies across the spectrum of building genres, which is a credit to creative professionals and their visionary clients.”
The New Zealand Grand Prix prize was awarded to The Central Hotel by Naumi Hotels, for its bold and intriguing interior design by Wanaka-based studio, Undercurrent. The Queenstown hotel was commended on its specially curated colour palette and comprehensive application, defining each floor and producing a distinct purpose for every room.
“The Central Hotel displays a discerning depth of colour, comprehensively articulated,” said the judges. “It is memorably original and wonderfully playful.”
The Australian Grand Prix and the commercial and multi-residential category was awarded to SJB for committing to a single exterior colour on their project, 22 William. Noted for courageous design and artful execution, the warehouse conversion now captivates the streetscape in vibrant Dulux Spinach Green.
The judging panel was composed of five design industry leaders who applauded the innovation and execution of colour across a range of memorable projects.
“We were impressed by the breadth and implementation of colour in the conceptual and finished projects, particularly those that manipulated and mastered their immediate surrounds,” the judges said. “We considered the designs holistically; the way colour encapsulated a space, highlighted the architectural form and is supported through soft furnishings and furniture.”
Other projects of note include Erskine House by Melbourne-based architects Kennedy Nolan, who were awarded the residential interior category award. In Duck Egg Blue and the rusty Red Capital, the colour-driven response ensured a cohesive and compelling architectural experience.
Referencing Australian suburbia, Bona Vista by Studio Prineas, received the award for single residential exterior for their contextually appropriate response in an extension to an original house. Satisfying strict heritage guidelines, a nostalgic colour palette was applied among traditional materials to continue a harmonious transition between the old and new.
“We are awed by the courage and sophistication of this year’s award winners,” said Harper. “From public works to private homes, the degree of ambition and excellence demonstrates that designers, architects and clients all recognise the integral role of colour in our built environment and its capacity to transform our experience.”
