Courage and sophistication typified the inspired use of colour in the winning projects of the 33rd Dulux Colour Awards. Held at the National Gallery in Melbourne, this highly acclaimed industry awards programme recognises the most creative and considered use of colour across six categories of built work.

This year's awards attracted a record number of entries from across New Zealand and Australia. 

Dulux Colour Specialist Davina Harper said the winning projects demonstrated a special confidence in their use of colour. “Architects and designers have really set a precedent with their masterful employment of colour to create unexpected, lively, playful and refined interior and exterior spaces,” she said.

The winner of the inaugural NZ Grand Prix category was the Wains Hotel, Dunedin by Yellow6. This contemporary but classic design included the subtle use of colour blocking and was in keeping with the historic Victorian-era hotel. 

Supercontext Architecture Studio’s Giraffe Learning Centre was awarded the Australian Grand prize with the judges praising the project for its “strategic use of bold colour and unexpected sophistication."