The Neutrals category was awarded to Nobbs Radford Architects, for a home that carefully plays off dark and light with a well-constructed palette of Resene Armadillo, Resene Half Tapa and Resene Quarter Rice Cake that allows the playful textures and architectural lines to shine. The judges called it “simply beautiful”. 

“While neutrals are often seen as a default option, it takes skill and careful consideration to really harness the power of neutrals. There is a playful use of textures and detailing to enhance the subtle colour flow, casting light and shadow. The juxtaposition of the ceiling colour delineates the space with elegance and solidarity. The wooden floor adds warmth and pattern to complete the colour palette.“

The Colour Maestro (runner-up) for the Neutrals category was given to hungerford+edmunds architects for a sophisticated project that used Resene Half Masala, Resene Half Taupe Grey and Resene Fuscous Grey. 

It was “relaxing, restful and stylish,” said the judges. “Warm neutrals outside transfer to a softer, cleaner interior aesthetic. It’s a lovely transference of colour where both the public face and the private face of the home complement each other. A perfect sanctuary from the busy city.”

The winner of the Residential Interior category was awarded to Aonui Architecture for a Tawa house where strong colour choices like Resene Thunderbird and Resene Endorphin were punctuated throughout, and there was a skilful use of colour in transitional areas. ”A spine of dark brown (Resene Rough N Tumble) is used to perfection and pops of colour are grounded against a background of timber,” said the judges. “The warmth of the neutral wall colour, when so often we see white, creates an underlying sense of cosiness and warmth, reinforced by the stronger colour selections. Pops of colour have been grounded against a background of timber. The sense of ‘colour meets nature’ through the timber finishes creates a home that feels welcoming and easy to live in.”

The Colour Maestro (runner-up) for the Residential Interiors category was given to Masonry Design Solutions for a beachside home where weathered tones of blue and white (including Resene Powder Blue and Resene White Pointer) create a “soothing and balanced scheme,” said the judges. “The colour palette is a traditional balanced scheme with a beautiful application of a tonal colour palette without resorting to grey or stone.”

With a magnificent view and vista of both sea and sky, this home completely encapsulates both, merging them together for a sense of relaxation. Simply classic, timeless and elegant.”

The overall winner, receiving the Nightingale Award, and winner of the Education category was RTA Studio for the Tarawera High School project. The colour selections (including Resene Turbo and Resene Raspberry) reflect the rich surrounds and are used to enhance and create a meaningful engagement between home, community and school. 

The judges said “it was playful without being predictable; cheeky pops of colour have their own identity within the whole... sensitive and extremely well put together.”

The overall Colour Maestro award and winner of the Installation category went to Alexander Sacha Milojevic, Raphaela Rose, Ryan Mahon and Edward Roberts for Daughter of the Swamp, described as ‘spectacular’ and ‘irresistible’ by the judges. A palette of three colours (Resene Pohutukawa, Resene Hacienda and Resene Barely There) appears to dance when viewed from different angles.