Colours and textures, as well as the use of primary colours like reds, greens and oranges defined the winners of the 2014 Dulux Colour Awards, which was announced on Thursday 27 March in Melbourne.

These elements were especially evident in The Quays project by McBride Charles Ryan, which not only won the Multi Residential Interior and Exterior categories, but also took home the night’s highest honour, the Grand Prix.

Praised for its clever use of bold, block colour mixed with translucent colours, the exterior of The Quays apartment building stands out amongst the high rise corporate building, and can be viewed as an over-sized public art space.

“The exterior and interior work in complete harmony with each other – a highly commended and considered design feature,” noted the judges.

“Just like the exterior, the interior of The Quays continues to embrace colours, from hot colours in shared spaces to the muted tones in the pool and spa areas. More than 15 Dulux Colours were used, including Dulux Jade, Dulux Mint Green, Dulux Cave Lake and Dulux Velvet Violet.”

The Commercial Interior award went to Carr Design Group for The Boston Consulting Group Sydney fitout. The jury praised the careful balance of colour control and playful colour experimentation, with each space in the office using colour to express its function. Pastels create calming meeting areas, while vibrant colours were used in communal areas to create an energetic environment.

According to event organisers, the Commercial Interior category had an exceptional quality of entries, with the judges taking longer than usual to choose the winner, resulting in three commendations being awarded. 

The Student category also noted a high quality of submissions, with the judges saying that they were excited for the future talent of the architecture and design industry.

Grand Prix winner McBride Charles Ryan will receive $1,500, as well as airfare, accommodation and entry to an international design fair. Category winners will win a $1,000 cash prize and trophy;.

On this year’s judging panel were Callum Fraser of Elenberg Fraser, contemporary artist Geoffrey Carron, Daimon Downey, creative and musician, Daniel Dalla Riva, director of interiors at UNP, and publisher of Denizen & Design Folio, Claire Sullivan.

Full list of winners:

Grand Prix

The Quays by McBride Charles Ryan

Multi Residential Interior

The Quays by McBride Charles Ryan

Commendation: Sunday Apartments by Woods Bagot

Multi Residential Exterior

The Quays by McBride Charles Ryan

Commercial Exterior

Bendigo Library by MGS Architects

Commendation: The Cloud Canopy by Maddison Architects

Commercial Interior

The Boston Consulting Group Sydney by Carr Design Group

Commendations: Apical Office Fit-out by Duckbuild Architecture

Carnivorous Flowers, Shoes of Prey Concept Store by Stukel Stone

Bar Testoni by Make Creative

Commercial Interior Refurbishment

Australian Catholic University by Woods Bagot

Commendation: Skyline Drive In Diner by Luchetti Krelle

Single Residential Exterior

Reach for the Sky by Saaj Design

Single Residential Interior

Bricolage House by Breathe Architecture

Commendation: Westgarth House by Kennedy Nolan

Single Residential Interior Refurbishment

15 Ridley St, Blairgowrie by Austin Design Associates

Student

A Tale of Two Sheds by Lance van Maanen (RMIT University)