RSL Lifecare are proud to have opened Arthur Blackburn VC Gardens in Port Macquarie, NSW. Together with McNally Architects and Crown Furniture, the inspiring residential aged care facility has a fresh vision for its interiors.

This beautiful new living community is a homely environment for 80 residents. Co-located at Pozieres Village, the accommodation includes private rooms with en-suites within an elegant, comfortable and secure environment with a hotel-like ambience. 

RSL Lifecare, Crown Furniture
P/Kaufmann Indienne, Indigo; Florence Broadhurst Japanese Floral & Tropical Floral © Ryan Linnegar
RSL Lifecare, Crown Furniture, Florence Broadhurst by Materialised
Soundcheck sheers. P/Kaufmann Indienne, Indigo on Crown Furniture Coolum Lounge Chair © Ryan Linnegar
McNally Architects, RSL Lifecare, P/Kaufmann
P/Kaufmann Indienne, Indigo – Image: McNally Architects
McNally Architects, RSL Lifecare, sheer drapery
Materialised furnishing textiles & Brooklyn sheers – Image: McNally

The Design Brief

The brief was to develop an interiors scheme for all furnishing, lighting and decor throughout the facility to compliment the interior finishes scheme.  The McNally Architects team also wanted to ensure that the design was timeless to ensure the longevity of the interiors for years to come.

Taking inspiration from the coastal hues of the local region, the concept was based around the relaxed palette hues of the sea, sun and sand to create an elegant hotel-like ambience which is also comfortable and secure for all residents and employees.

With four wings to Arthur Blackburn VC Gardens, dining and living spaces were created to complement each other. Customised fabrics and finishes with a nod to the coastal concept were developed to tie the spaces together.

McNally Architects, RSL Lifecare, Florence Broadhurst
Florence Broadhurst Miko & Soundcheck sheer drapery. Image: McNally
McNally Architects, RSL Lifecare, Florence Broadhurst
Florence Broadhurst Japanese Floral & Soundcheck sheers. Image: McNally
McNally Architects, RSL Lifecare, Florence Broadhurst
Florence Broadhurst Miko & Soundcheck Sheer Drapery. Image: McNally

Custom Furnishings, Aged Care

Interwoven throughout each wing of the facility, artwork has been carefully selected and curated to compliment the upholstery and finishes selection. The fabric colours, patterns and artwork also prove as an important way-finding tool for residents when navigating the facility.

Two different schemes were developed to differentiate each of the two floors. The rooms have a relaxing neutral colour palette that can adapt when residents arrive to create their own environment. Finishes such as linen curtains, roller blinds, textural wallpaper and comfortable armchairs give a residential and relaxing feel to the space.

“Attention to detail, crucial communication and an extraordinary ability to interpret the brief and convert it to a detailed project presentation meant that McNally were able to bring our vision to life.
Anne Kauffmann, Executive General Manager Residential, RSL LifeCare

RSL Lifecare, Crown Furniture, Florence Broadhurst by Materialised
Soundcheck sheers. Florence Broadhurst Egrets, Crown Furniture Coolum Lounge Chair © Ryan Linnegar

“Our vision for Arthur Blackburn VC Gardens was to create a fresh style that reflected the coastal hues of the region. Crown Furniture were able to help us develop this look and carry it through our designs. With customised Florence Broadhurst fabrics, the furniture has come up beautifully.”
Caroline McNally, Interior Design Director, McNally Architects

RSL Lifecare, Crown Furniture, Florence Broadhurst by Materialised
Florence Broadhurst Tropical Floral, Crown Furniture Mialla Bridge Chair © Ryan Linnegar
McNally Architects, RSL Lifecare
Hot Off The Press, Pergola. Image: McNally
McNally Architects, RSL Lifecare, P/Kaufmann
P/Kauffman, Indienne. Image: McNally

Materialised Products

The following upholstery fabrics were customised to work with the coastal brief:

  • Florence Broadhurst Miko, Tropical Floral, Japanese Floral, Egrets and Fingers 
  • Hot Off The Press Pergola 
  • P/Kaufmann Indienne, Indigo.

Our Fire Retardant acoustic sheerSoundcheck, was used in common areas which helps to reduce echo and unwanted noise. Beautiful wide width Brooklyn was chosen for bedrooms.

McNally Architects, RSL Lifecare
Brooklyn Sheer Drapery. Image: McNally

About McNally Architects

Established in 2001, McNally Architects today is the product of a talented team of architects, interior designers and specialists who apply their unique skills and creativity to produce quality design solutions across seniors living, residential and commercial clients. Caroline McNally is Director of I+D Studio and Senior Interior Designer at McNally Architects, bringing over 15 years of interior design and project management experience.


The Team & Credits

Interior Design, Furnishing, Lighting, Styling & DecorMcNally Architects and I+D Studio Furniture: Crown Furniture
Photographer: Ryan Linnegar where noted.
Materialised Team: NSW