Dulux Colour Specialist Davina Harper said not only did this year’s programme see some remarkably creative, original projects but it also saw colour strategies that challenged stereotypes, with ambitious programmes and unparalleled impact, across a range of building typologies.

The judging panel agreed that, irrespective of scale, scope or programme, in residential, urban or educational contexts, a number of exceptional projects transcended their stereotypes through the highly considered specification of colour.

The judges made special mention of a strong suite of small-scale projects from New Zealand, particularly in the Residential Interior Category. “Eden View, Heron House, Casper’s House and Kimiora Apartment all demonstrated strong colour use, with unexpected combinations and applications revealing a level of experimentation that only succeeds with creative conviction,” says judge Adam Pustola. “The impact of these interventions surprised and impressed.”

The New Zealand Grand Prix winner and recipient of a Commendation in the Residential Interior Category, Eden View by Pac Studio, celebrates the richness of everyday life. “Despite the project’s modest scope, the result is transformative and highly effective – a credit to the architects’ vision and resolve,” said the judges.

The Australian Grand Prix winner and recipient of the Commercial Interior – Public and Hospitality Award, the Monash Robotics Lab by Studio Bright, epitomises this. “Eschewing the clinical, sterile palette typically associated with science facilities, this lab is warm and inviting thanks to a play of earthy tones, colour pops and calming greens,” said the judges.

Even a financial institution, with its anti-establishment use of colour, turned tradition on its head to convey a message of warmth, transparency and trust.

Another emerging theme this year was the integration of landscape as a consideration in the architectural response. “We saw natural features inform the palettes of a range of projects, some drawing upon seasonal colours, others creating backdrops for the play of sunlight and shade,” said the judges.

This year’s judging panel comprised: 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.

“Overall, there is a resounding level of ambition and conviction in the implementation of colour in conceptual and finished work,” the judges said.

Harper says: “This year it was exciting to see the clever use of colour and unexpected colour combinations bringing these projects to life. We had some extremely strong New Zealand entries that demonstrates just how far we’ve come in terms of using bold colour choices to enhance a project.”