The 2022 Dulux Colour Awards were handed out in Melbourne on 1 June at a live-streamed gala function that saw a handful of winning projects chosen for their exceptional use of colour and creativity in design.
“Our renowned industry awards program recognises the epitome of colour use in design and architecture, and it is especially significant that we acknowledge and celebrate the array of exceptional projects this year, given the challenging circumstances in which they were created,” says Dulux colour and communications manager Andrea Lucena-Orr.
And while the competition spans commercial, workplace and retail spheres it’s the residential winners that we are obviously most interested in. The winner of this year’s ‘Residential Interiors’ category is Lachlan Seegers Architect for its Erskineville House project and judge David Welsh praised the success of the project’s vision which was ‘to bind the home’s atmosphere with the ever-changing presence of nature.’
“In an elegant, unforced manner, a soft palette of pale yellow, warm grey and hues of green supports the narrative and moderates the atmosphere of the interiors. The result is a subdued, cocooning moodiness that gently changes and evolves with the movement of natural light. We commend the architect’s commitment to the vision in what appears to be a simple response but is, in fact, a highly considered and finely wrought design,” says David of the home that is centred around a beautiful Spotted Gum.
Studio Bright’s Autumn House received commendations in both the ‘Residential Interior’ and ‘Single Residential Exterior’ categories. “Tasked with creating a new extension to a Victorian original with an 80s’ addition, the architects have struck a fine balance between cohesion and distinction, largely orchestrated by their colour selection,” says David.
“Bathrooms of sea blue and mint green are calming, standalone sanctuaries. Extending the respective palettes to joinery and furniture throughout, the varied tones, textures and touchpoints combine to create an immersive, sensory experience,” says David.
Kart Projects’ House K was the winner of the ‘Single Residential Exterior’ category and was celebrated for its use of colour to distinguish between the old and new parts of the home. “Rejecting the oft-used strategy of blending old and new in residential additions, this design not only opts for an obvious delineation, but a bold, forthright one, with colour as the primary mechanism,” says judge Cushla McFadden.
The original part of the home was restored with a muted, respectful nod to its heritage while the new extension features dark cladding combined with a statement making orange red.
“Though largely concealed from the front, the addition’s bold scheme is hinted at in a bright orange-red sweep of fence along the street front. The volumetric demarcation, which is also continued within the home, provides a colour-blocked backdrop to the developing landscape,” says Cushla.
