Double honours for Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects at 2018 Dulux Colour Awards

Fitzroy Crossing Renal Hostel by Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects, was best in show at the 32nd Dulux Colour Awards held at the National Gallery of Victoria on Thursday night.

Taking out both the Grand Prix and Commercial Exterior awards, the judging panel lauded the firm’s ingenious use of colour and “nuanced juxtaposition of contextually inspired hues” on the outback accommodation facility for Aboriginal people receiving renal dialysis.

“An exemplary piece of architecture, whose impact is heightened, and even deepened by, the considered use of colour,” said judge Murali Bhaskar. “Every colour in this project has meaning and, in its remote environmental context as well as its functional context – that is, the building’s purpose – it is stunning.”

The esteemed industry awards program recognises the most innovative use of colour by Australian and New Zealand designers in nine project categories, ranging from residential interiors to commercial exteriors. This year highlighted the impact of colour as an architectural and interior design tool, and a record number of entries was received, with more than 300 firms vying for top honours.

Percy Street (Vic) by Bagnoli Architects was presented with the Best Interior award for their inspired use of colour and for encapsulating the true spirit of the awards.

“Underpinned by an innovative approach to its philosophy and execution, this entry has a beautiful energy and innocence, which captures the essence of what the Dulux Colour Awards mean to us,” said judge David Flack. “The exploration of colour is soft and serene, yet commanding, and responds to the architectural form rather than being simply applied to a surface.”

A stunning pleated facade, an addition to a single-storey Edwardian villa in Melbourne’s Albert Park, picked up Best Residential Exterior for Adeb Architects.

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“The application of Metallic Pearl on the serrated facade is extremely brave,” said Flack. “It is usually reserved for trims, and small touches with the result creating a glistening finish of varying tones, depending upon the light conditions, and contrasting beautifully with the red and ochre brickwork. Importantly, it sits comfortably within the broader external landscape.”

Best residential interior went to the bold and beautiful North Perth Townhouse (WA) by Simon Pendal Architect, for their “unwavering commitment to the use of contrasting tones to delineate the interior.”

Featuring a stunning prussian blue stair portal, the property stood out for its rich and succinct concept which the panel said, separated it from its competitors.

“With bold hues cutting through a base of white, the internal spaces are cleverly defined,” said judge David Hicks, “while a play of gloss and matt paint finishes adds another dimension to the form.”

Best Residential Exterior went to 4 Sam Sting Street (NSW) by Collins and Turner Architects and Environa Studio. The twenty-storey apartment tower features a high performance facade with external perforated mesh sun shading in a palette of different colours.

“It is an example of repetition done well, with the extensive use of colour serving to enhance the architectural form and be distinctive in its context, without becoming a jarring eyesore,” said Hicks. “The play of light and shadow, solidity and translucency, across the facade is heightened by tonal variation and depth of colour to create interest in what would otherwise be dull vertical planes.”

Full list of winners

Grand Prix

Fitzroy Crossing Renal Hostel (WA) by Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects

Multi Residential Exterior

5 Sam Sing Street (NSW) by Collins and Turner Architects and Environa Studio

Multi Residential Interior

North Perth Townhouse (WA) by Simon Pendal Architect

Single Residential Exterior

Albert Park Curved Pleated Façade (Vic) by Adeb Architects

Single Residential Interior

Winner – Percy Street (Vic) by Bagnoli Architects

Commercial Exterior

Fitzroy Crossing Renal Hostel (WA) by Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects

Commercial Interior: Workplace and Retail

Abbotsford Studio (VIC) by March Studio

Commercial Interior: Public and Hospitality

Wagaya (NSW) by Span Design

International

Winner – Crimson Education Office by OPL

Student

Arcade Street (Vic) by Melanie Modafferi, The University of Melbourne