Innovation challenges design norms in this year’s Dulux Colour Award's winning projects. As one of the region’s most prestigious awards programs, recognising the exceptional and innovative use of colour in the built environment, the Dulux Colour Awards attracts an array of extraordinary projects.

Winner of the New Zealand Grand Prix Award and Commercial and Multi Residential Category

Seven Colourful Little Houses by COMMON Architecture + Interiors

Colour-blocking seven entire homes proves that bold, singular design strategies can be affordable, impactful and create deep, positive impressions in our built environment. These modest dwellings add a street presence that is truly uplifting. Their tonal values are well considered and beautifully balanced, from dusky blues and sage greens, through to red  and orange, against silver and off white. The judges commented that the architects wholeheartedly fulfilled their ambition to use colour to add a sense of harmony and balance to the street elevation and recognise depth, movement and texture as important design elements in the wider suburban context.

Dulux Colours Specified: Dulux Duralloy Wizard, New Denim Blue, Mist Green, Scoria, Terracotta, Silver Pearl, Titania.
Dulux Products Used: Duralloy +PLUS Solid, Duralloy Pearlescent, and Duralloy Solid
Photographer: Stephen Goodenough

Student New Zealand Winner

The Keeper of My Memories by Beth Williams, Victoria University of Wellington

A total dreamscape, The Keeper of My Memories is an architectural colour fantasy based on a Dulux Colours of New Zealand palette derived from childhood daydreaming. It’s a captivating virtual world, featuring ten renderings of a hypothetical house, which forms the backdrop to the narrative of the seven characters within. Williams explains that the almost-psychedelic colour combinations aids the world-building of the characters and was influential in crafting the dreamscapes. The ensuing dreamscapes are unashamedly whimsical and truly celebrate the idea that memories and our imaginary worlds could be rendered architecturally.

Dulux Colours Specified: Dulux Waipawa, Moorehouse Street, Port Hills, Taradale, Moawhango, Purple Top Hill, Lake Bright, Whangamatā, Wainuiomata, Devil's Pool.