Projects Details
Located in Neutral Bay, Lansdowne Gardens delivers high-end aged care in a revitalised heritage setting. The 60-bed residence preserves the charm of the original boarding house while introducing refined, hotel-style living. The integration of existing buildings with new contemporary infrastructure provides residents with beautifully appointed suites, communal spaces, and access to landscaped gardens—all within walking distance of Sydney Harbour.
Design Integration
The project demanded thoughtful connection between heritage and contemporary elements. External changes to the building were tightly restricted, requiring careful design resolution to meet aged care functionality within the existing envelope. The result is a sophisticated and cohesive facility where original detailing meets modern amenity, offering residents comfort, care and a sense of place that honours its architectural history.
The existing boarding house was in poor condition and heritage-listed, limiting external modifications and requiring sensitive upgrades throughout. The site’s position on a steep hill added structural complexity, with the street rising from the ground floor at one end to well above the roofline at the other. This necessitated an innovative retaining strategy and a considered approach to landscaping—transforming units facing the retaining wall into secluded, green outlooks. Neighbouring overshadowing concerns led to the DA being escalated to the Land and Environment Court, where the project was ultimately approved.
Collaborative Delivery & End Result
While not involved in early-stage design, MDP was instrumental in the delivery of Lansdowne Gardens. We worked closely with builder Adco, the Cranbrook Group, and an extended team of consultants to coordinate and manage construction across a constrained, heritage-sensitive site. With minimal allowable adjustments to the facade and a complex structural brief, every move required precision. The final outcome is a deeply resolved aged care residence that elevates the standard of care—merging hospitality, heritage and wellbeing in a cohesive and dignified environment for residents, their families and the wider Neutral Bay community.
MDP led construction delivery and consultant coordination, guiding a highly complex site into a resolved, high-performing residence. From managing heritage requirements to navigating overshadowing concerns and working within tight structural tolerances, our role was focused on maintaining architectural intent while delivering a buildable outcome. Lansdowne Gardens stands today as a benchmark for premium aged care—gracefully bridging old and new, and offering residents personalised, elegant spaces that feel nothing like traditional care. It’s a place where heritage is preserved, comfort is prioritised, and care is delivered with the highest level of dignity.
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