Dulux Colour Awards 2023

About the project

The proportions and ornate detailing of the original period home have been restored, and the moody nature of these spaces was emphasised. In contrast to these existing compartmentalised volumes, a glass bridge connects a new glass pavilion, the pavilion appearing to float over water, immersed within the surrounding landscape.

What the judges said

"A theatrical yet calm, moody interior exuding timeless old-world sophistication typifies this period restoration and, although it is clearly controlled, it feels effortless," says judge Lisa Lee of Snøhetta. "In reinstating the proportions and ornate detailing of the original, the architects have employed a simple palette with holistic consideration. While it doesn’t rely on trickery, the play of grey and white, matte and gloss, is deceptively complex.

"Spatially, the existing, compartmentalised volumes are offset by a glass bridge connecting to a new glazed pavilion, which appears to float above water and is effective in adding reflective surfaces to the mix. What appears to be a highly wrought design execution nevertheless allows its function as a family home to remain evident and the warmth that pervades this project is ultimately seductive."

About

Crafted from the existing basement of a heritage building, Studio Elroy attests to the possibility of inspired living on a small scale. Inhabiting a footprint of just 19m², this space accommodates a queen-sized bed, home office, kitchen and living space, wine cellar, and bathroom fitted with a generous vanity, toilet, and shower in what would become a self-contained dwelling. All this while rehousing unsightly air-conditioning and ventilation ducting.

In lieu of a view of a changing streetscape, the painted and tiled surfaces boast changing shades of salmon through garnet as sunlight and shadows enchant the apartment. Punctuated by ribbed batons, brass detailing, and natural stone, a red historically bound to fire and brimstone finds a certain sincerity and resounding peace in this project.

What the judges said...

“Crafted from the existing basement of a heritage building, Studio Elroy is an exemplar of inspired small-scale living, with colour at the heart of the concept and result. Although the architects state that their choice of rich cochineal red was ‘as much an experiment as a statement’, everything feels enhanced by their commitment to its application,” says Lee.

“The saturated colour soothes the complex program and its taut orchestration. Despite the apparent singularity, there is a hierarchy in the palette, with consideration of the sandstone building envelope and secondary hues. Notably, the passing of time, somewhat compromised by the limited natural light, is cleverly marked by painted and tiled surfaces with changing shades of salmon through to garnet emerging as sunlight and shadow play across them. This is commendable for its unabashed commitment to all-encompassing colour usage.”

About

Mount Mac is grounded on its reconnection to place through warmth, texture and an honest approach. As an underlying current to the recrafting of the interior, the resulting home needed to capture the essence of its owners, and their own lineage with the surrounding landscape and farm life.

What the judges said...

“Mount Mac demonstrates an honest design approach to the recrafting of the interior, now oozing with warmth and texture. First impressions are of a sophisticated, hotel-like sleekness, created by the deep dramatic colour scheme of the kitchen and living zones. Here, the effect of deep green and dark grey is cocooning and seductive,” says Lee. “Settling into the home, the role of the overall palette becomes evident; its sincerity and simplicity finely balanced with the earthiness of natural finishes in timber, stone and brick. Special mention should be made of the considered styling, especially the inclusion of light citrus upholstery, which adds to the overall impression of nuanced effortlessness.”