Colours of Queensland workshops: A tactile approach to colour, climate and country
Exploring the COLORBOND® steel Core and Studio ranges through Queensland-inspired palettes
As Queensland prepares for the Olympics in 2032, architects are shaping its future built form, including the selection of material finishes and colours.
BlueScope's Colours of Queensland workshop series was developed to respond to this moment, helping designers explore the full design potential of the COLORBOND® steel Core and Studio ranges and create places that feel connected and distinctly Queensland.
A workshop built for Queensland designers
Led by Duygu Tany, Queensland Specification Manager at BlueScope, and Design & Colour Consultant Kaela Turgeon, the sessions offer architectural and design teams a hands-on, immersive exploration of the COLORBOND® steel ranges. The workshops respond to local conditions – intense sun exposure, coastal influences and subtropical environments – reflecting COLORBOND® steel’s performance and durability, while supporting elevated design outcomes through inspired colour and material decisions.
Participants interact directly with COLORBOND® steel, comparing colours across different light conditions and alongside complementary textured materials. The tactile elements support an immersive exploration of colour and texture grounded in nature itself, moving beyond a simple product presentation into a genuine design conversation about how thoughtful colour choices can shape architecture, elevate spaces and strengthen connection to place.
Palettes curated for Queensland
The workshop experience centres on four specially curated colour palettes from the COLORBOND® steel Core and Studio ranges – Country, Biophilic & Earthy, Neutral, and Gentle Blues – each inspired by Queensland’s landscapes, light and character. Drawing from both the Core range and the extensive Studio range of over 200 colours and finishes, the sessions explore how these palettes reflect Queensland’s unique identity and can translate into considered design responses.
Positive response from leading firms
Workshops have already been delivered with leading firms across the Queensland architectural community, including Cox Architecture, Arup, PDT Architects, Populous and Hassell. The sessions have been warmly received, particularly around the diversity of colours available through the COLORBOND® steel Studio and the value of experiencing colour, texture and finish firsthand rather than on screen. Feedback has highlighted how the tactile, hands-on format deepens understanding in ways that digital references cannot replicate.
"The workshops have been a fantastic way to launch our Designing for the World Stage 2032 program – helping us strengthen understanding and share knowledge as the design community creates places with an enduring legacy,” said Duygu Tany, Queensland Specification Manager at BlueScope.
“The presentation was really interesting…the display boxes and tactile quality enabled a real experience of the palettes, and walking around and discussing the samples was a very beneficial part of the session.”
Tim Morgan, Principal Consultant – Design Review, COX.
Designing for the World Stage 2032
The Colours of Queensland workshops are part of BlueScope's broader Designing for the World Stage 2032 program, developed to support architects and other specifiers in designing the venues and spaces required for Brisbane's future.
If you would like to participate in your own Colours of Queensland workshop, please register your interest on our enquiry form.