The Dulux colour awards are in their 30th year and, in 2016, set new benchmarks for the use of colour. The winners were announced in April.

A new benchmark for colour usage has been set by the 2016 Dulux Colour Awards winners, announced on 28 April. Boundaries were pushed across all categories, with colour used in daring yet cleverly considered ways to transform spaces. The 2016 judging panel were unanimously impressed by the sense of storytelling through colour and projects which showcased fresh combinations of hues to create unique and inspiring environments.

This year’s standout project was The Condensery (Somerset Regional Art Gallery) by PHAB Architects, which took out the Grand Prix prize, winning the Commercial Exterior category and Highly Commended in the Commercial Interior (Public Space and Hospitality) category. Applauded for its exceptionally clever application of a sole colour in varying shades, The Condensery was seamlessly executed to achieve a beautiful continuity both inside and out. An array of reds to tempt any palette from deep oxides to reddish pinks, resulted in incredible beauty against the rural landscape. The Condensery tells a fascinating, layered story, whilst honouring the original architecture and history of the building.

Other winners were The Alex Hotel (Commercial Interior-Public Spaces & Hospitality); The Doctor’s Studio (Commercial Interior-Office Fitout & Retail); Normanby (Single Residential Interior); O’Grady (Single Residential Exterior); Holman Hall, Monash University (Multi Residential Interior); Masterpieces of the Hermitage by National Gallery of Victoria (Installation & Events); Empire Cinema in Wellington, New Zealand (International); Infinite Mulligan (RMIT Student) and Logan Hall (Multi-Residential Exterior).

In its milestone 30th year, the iconic program has acknowledged and celebrated those who have contributed to a colour journey over the last three decades, with a nod to the future as the journey continues. Fittingly, this year’s winning projects reflected an evolution of colour, with retro elements intermixed with forward-thinking palettes.