The renovation of the Empire Cinema and Eatery in Wellington's Island Bay has won the International category in the 30th year of the Dulux Colour Awards. It was also commended in the Commercial Exterior category.

The Empire restoration was a project of Wellington's ArcHaus Architects.

The judges described the project as "one of the most impressive before and after restorations" and "a great example of an inspiring conservation project that has been transformed using colour dedication."

"The bold palette respects the heart of the old building, with colours that revitalise and create an iconic, Baz Lurman-esque vibe. ArcHaus has embraced the era, celebrating the building's theatrical presence and function," they said.

The Empire Cinema features Dulux Cherrywood, Dulux Maheno Half and Dulux Masterton.

Auckland based Design Spec Ltd gained a commendation in the International category for the firm's Beech Hill project. In addition, University of Auckland student Tessa Forde gained a commendation in the Student category for her 2015 thesis 'The House That Politics Built'.

The Condensery claims the Grand Prix

The Grand Prix winner at the Dulux Colour Awards was The Condensery by PHAB Architects in Toogoolawah, South East Queensland, which won the Commercial Exterior category and was Highly Commended in the Commercial Interior (Public Spaces and Hospitality) category.

In awarding the Grand Prix, the judges said the project embodied an "exceptionally clever application of a sole colour in varying shades, seamlessly executed to showcase a beautiful continuity both inside and out."

The Condensery features Dulux Lime White, Dulux Bombay Pink, Dulux Red Leather, Dulux Deep Garnet, Dulux Indian Red, Dulux Red Oxide and Dulux Deep Leather.

The judging panel in the 2016 Dulux Colour Awards included highly regarded design industry leaders from a range of disciplines:

• Alex Fulton — Director at Alex Fulton Design (NZ)
• Meryl Hare — Principal at Hare + Klein Interior Design
• Clare Cousins — Director at Clare Cousins Architects
• James Harper — Principal at BrookingHarper and Director at Design Institute of Australia
• Matt Gibson — Director at Matt Gibson Architecture + Design

The industry judging panel selected winners across the nine categories, with the best of the category winners awarded the Grand Prix prize.

The 2016 Dulux Colour Awards winners:

Grand Prix
Project: The Condensery — Somerset Regional Art Gallery
Architect: PHAB Architects

Commercial Interior (Public Spaces and Hospitality)
Project: Alex Hotel
Architect: Arent & Pyke

Commercial Interior (Office Fitout and Retail)
Project: The Doctor's Studio
Architect: Russell & George

Commercial Exterior
Project: The Condensery
Architect: PHAB Architects

Single Residential Interior
Project: Normanby
Architect: Whiting Architects

Single Residential Exterior
Project: O'Grady
Architect: Whiting Architects

Multi Residential Interior
Project: Holman Hall, Monash University
Architect: Hayball & Richard Middleton Architects

Installation and Events
Project: Hermitage, NGV
Architect: National Gallery of Victoria

International
Project: Empire Cinema
Architect / Design Practice: ArcHaus Architects, Wellington, NZ

Student
Project: Infinite Mulligan
Architect / Design Practice: Kei Jin Pook