The 2022 Dulux Colour Awards were handed out in Melbourne on 1 Juneย at a live-streamed gala function that saw a handful of winning projects chosen for their exceptional use of colour and creativity in design.
โOur 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,โ says Dulux colour and communications manager Andrea Lucena-Orr.
And while the competition spans commercial, workplace and retail spheres itโs the residential winners that we are obviously most interested in. The winner of this year’s โResidential Interiorsโ category is Lachlan Seegers Architect for its Erskineville House project and judge David Welsh praised the success of the projectโs vision which was โto bind the homeโs atmosphere with the ever-changing presence of nature.โ
โIn 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 architectโs commitment to the vision in what appears to be a simple response but is, in fact, a highly considered and finely wrought design,โ 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. โTasked with creating a new extension to a Victorian original with an 80sโ addition, the architects have struck a fine balance between cohesion and distinction, largely orchestrated by their colour selection,โ 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,โ says David.
Kart Projectsโ House K was the winner of the โSingle Residential Exteriorโ category and was celebrated for its use of colour to distinguish between the old and new parts of the home. โRejecting 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,โ 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.
โThough largely concealed from the front, the additionโs 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,โ says Cushla.
