Australian architecture – The Interiors Addict

Australia’s best houses 2021: Playful colour is out in force

The shortlist for the 2021 Houses Awards was revealed recently proving yet again that Australia is home to a seriously talented design community. With categories ranging from Australian House of the Year to apartments, renovations and houses in heritage contexts there are many incredible projects to be found. But, today we’re going to focus on one trend that the judges identified – the thoughtful and playful use of colour.

Pony by WOWOWA Architecture: Brighton East, VIC
Located in Melbourne’s Brighton East, this renovation’s palette was inspired by the colour and apricot brick detailing that was found in the original 1960’s home. Sporting an avocado inspired tiled bathroom, burgundy and coral bedroom joinery and a pastel peach and yellow kitchen that is one of the most joyful we’ve ever seen, we love!

Highlands House by Other Architects: Southern Highlands, NSW
“This is decidedly not the starkly minimal holiday house. We are happy that our clients possess a (carefully concealed) entertainment system and a comfy couch!” says Other Architects director Grace Mortlock.

Highlands House by Other Architects. Photography: Clinton Weaver

A country escape for clients that live in a city apartment, this is not your typical weekender. A sunny shade of yellow adorns the ceiling in the master bedroom while sage green paint makes the exterior pop against the surrounding bushland. Light timber acts acts in unifying relief.

Porous House by Possible Studio: Upper Coopers Creek, NSW
Located in the Byron Bay hinterland, Porous House is a social experiment between multi-generational families working together on the rehabilitation of an adjacent patch of remnant rainforest. The colourful interior draws on motels, cabins and caravans as well as a variety of disparate sources.

Porous House by Possible Studio. Photography: Anna Hutchcroft

“The colours, patterns and objects reflect the diverse passions of the occupants for sci-fi cinema, Memphis Style, AlmodoÌvar films, animeÌ, moireÌ patterns, 80/90’s music, robotics, the Labor movement, collage and quilting,” says Possible Studio’s Sandra Kaji-O’Grady. The bright interior colours stand in stark contrast to the rich green found in the surrounding forest.

Dulwich Hill House by Tribe Studio Architects: Dulwich Hill, NSW
Located in Sydney’s inner-west suburb of Dulwich Hill, this eccentric Californian Bungalow is situated on a double north-facing block. With many alterations having taken place over the years, Tribe Studio Architects decided to work with some of them and remove others.

Dulwich Hill by Tribe Studio. Photography: Katherine Lu — Dulwich Hill House by Tribe Studio. Photography: Katherine Lu

Dulwich Hill House by Tribe Studio. Photography: Katherine Lu — Dulwich Hill House

“Inspired by the whimsy and originality of the existing home, we chose to judiciously remove or retain elements, including a 1950’s frosted glass pirate ship door, flat veneer panels, and electrical fittings. Some tasteful 1980’s work, such as mock-Victorian decorative plaster ceiling mouldings and led-light windows were also retained,” says Tribe Studio principal Hannah Tribe.

A new addition sits behind the original home housing new bedroom and bathroom accommodation under a skillion roof. Playful use of colour can be seen through the joinery in the library and new bathroom in particular.

The winners of the 2021 Houses Awards will be announced 30 July, 2021.

For more on the Houses Awards 2021

The New Zealand artist using colour to spark joy

Painting from a light-filled studio in the Waitakere ranges outside of Auckland, Jen Sievers is a New Zealand artist on a self-described mission to ‘paint joy.’ “I infuse my work…

Be inspired by the 2020 Houses Awards shortlist

For 10 years, the Houses Awards have shone a spotlight on Australia’s most outstanding homes, celebrating ambitious design and the very best in residential architecture. Today, we’re sharing just a handful of the shortlisted entries to inspire and delight you!

This year’s shortlisted projects represent the pinnacle of antipodean architecture and reflect the current zeitgeist of residential design in this country. A home can be a sanctuary away from the pressures of the outside world and perhaps that rings especially true in the current crisis, explains Katelin Butler, chair of the 2020 jury and editorial director at Architecture Media.

“This year’s jury was acutely aware of the broader context of what is happening in the world today – the current pandemic, our climate emergency and economic downturn. How do these challenges affect the way we design or should design in the future?

“The standout homes were the ones that not only comprised a series of beautifully designed spaces, but gave the impression that they would be highly functional and comfortable places to live. These homes showed the ways that residential architecture can contribute to the broader context of its streetscape and local suburb, and how design interventions can build community and neighbourhood.

“With density increasing in our Australian cities and suburbs, it’s important to think about connections that expand the experience of a dwelling beyond its technical boundaries and how to navigate the balance between public and private space.”

The winners will be announced 31 July with projects awarded across nine categories and one home awarded the premier title of Australian House of the Year. The 2020 jury includes: Barrie Marshall – Founding Partner, Denton Corker Marshall (VIC); Poppy Taylor – Founding Partner, Taylor and Hinds (TAS); James Russell – Principal, James Russell Architect (QLD); Hannah Tribe – Principal, Tribe Studio Architects (NSW); and Katelin Butler – Editorial Director, Architecture Media.

In the new house under 200m2, check out Paddington House 05 by Nobbs Radford Architects: