Potts Point, NSW

“By washing the level in an array of vivacious colours such as light blue, muted greens and soft yellows amid plenty of natural light, these spaces of the old hospital are vibrantly reinvigorated.”

In a stunning architectural vestige in Potts Point, is one of Sydney’s most exclusive residential aged care accommodation. Surrounded by impressively lush and manicured gardens is the newly refurbished third level of St Luke’s Hospital. This main hospital building, built nearly a century ago and heritage-listed, is adjacent to Lulworth House, and is a temporary site offering premium aged care residence in lieu of the latter’s current major internal overhaul. To facilitate this, Gilmore Interior Design was brought on board to see to the design scheme of the hospital’s third floor.

For this project, we set out to achieve and maintain a sense of liveliness and light-heartedness in the spaces we were tasked to shape.

We sought to achieve this by creating light-drenched living spaces that were dressed in luxurious and quality furnishings and finishes that would contribute towards a cosy and familiar home-like setting.

In re-creating a domestic feeling for the floor’s future residents, we introduced soft but distinct fabrics in the furnishings of the spaces that paired well the textural finishes of the walls and carpets throughout. We also applied a palette of bright colours in the scheme. By washing the level in an array of vivacious colours such as light blue, muted greens and soft yellows amid plenty of natural light, these spaces of the old hospital are vibrantly reinvigorated.

In line with this, we carefully selected an attractive display of hanging artwork that features a series of Australian flora and fauna depictions. Thoughtfully curated and visually striking, these images work to aid residents in wayfinding along with similarly designed and selected signages. Through meticulous coordination, these features also further assist in creating a coherent aesthetic throughout the scheme as the floor’s original architecture comprised of rooms that each differed in plan and layout.

Despite this design hurdle, we overcame this by being respectful of the hospital’s unique roots and rich heritage. Rather than employing drastic changes to the scheme, we worked instead to create adaptable modules for kitchen and storage joinery units that would allow for as many variants as needed across the scheme.

In doing so, we were able to not only address the project brief and supply sufficient storage areas in each of the rooms, but also, maximise the respective floor areas of each unit.

The end result is a luxurious aged care level that inspires a sense of wellbeing and conviviality. The spaces are dressed to provide residents and their carers a home with flourishes that are pleasant and welcoming without compromise to the technical practicalities and functional requirements of a dignified caring of and residence for the elderly.

Completion Date

September 2018

Client

St Luke's Care

Photography: Amie Baines - Pop Box Media