Now in its 38^th program, the Dulux Colour Awards recognises the exceptional and innovative use of colour in the built environment. This year’s competition drew in a record 527 submissions across Australia and New Zealand, from which 83 projects have been selected as finalists across eight categories.

BHP Melbourne and M&C Saatchi have both been shortlisted in the Commercial Interior – Workplace and Retail category, showcasing excellence in the interior paint finishes of any commercial or industrial building such as offices, studios, factories, retail outlets, pop-up retail and shopping centres.

Design Lead and Woods Bagot Regional BHP Leader Emma Smith said colour in the BHP Workplace has been drawn directly from the land, the palette providing a sense of connection within the global headquarters to the physical sites of its global assets.

“The use of colour in the BHP Melbourne workplace reflects the company’s connection to the land and its global assets,” says Smith. “Inspired directly by the raw natural materials of BHP’s commodities, the colour palette serves as a tangible link to the physical sites where these resources are sourced.

“Rich burgundy, pinks, and oranges reference iron ore and potash, while cooler blues, greens, and greys draw inspiration from coal, nickel, copper, and the intricate processes of metal oxidation,” she continues. “The subdued, earthy tones of the hand-finished render further accentuate this connection, mirroring the textures and hues of the earth itself.”

For M&C Saatchi, colour helps to accentuate the building’s sumptuous period details and breathe new life into the 1936 heritage space.

While some spaces are swathed in bold colour, others have been pared back or left entirely white to celebrate the fine details of the original build. “These areas were deliberately pared back rather than being oversaturated in detail or tone,” says Design Lead Jordan Schumacher, who with the team employed a “light touch” approach to the existing heritage character. 

Dulux colour and communications manager Andrea Lucena-Orr said this year’s shortlist has been characterised by biophilia and bold, candy-like colours.

“It is an uplifting trend that shows a newfound optimism and confidence to try unexpected combinations for surprising and fun spatial impact,” says Lucena-Orr.

“Architects and designers, as well as their clients, seem to have shaken off the gloom of the lockdown years and are expressing a profound sense of freedom through paint colours that epitomise playfulness and joy.”

The 2024 judging panel comprises Shaun Carter (Carter Williamson), Monique Woodward (WOWOWA Architecture), Sarosh Mulla (Pac Studio), Eva-Marie Prineas (Studio Prineas), and Nick Travers (Technē Architecture + Interior Design).

The winners of the Dulux Colour Awards will be announced on 29 May at the Sydney Opera House Bennelong.

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Isla Sutherland
Content and Communications Specialist (Australia & New Zealand)