Coastal charm was at the heart of the brief for RSL Lifecare’s retirement development in Ballina – surrounded by water views and natural beauty. The project called for exterior materials evocative of a tranquil and beachy mood, yet able to withstand the rigorous demands of an exposed coastal site. The client’s trusted designer, Gilmore Interior Design, was tasked with finding a suitable material to modernise the building’s façade. A stone cladding material was required – both light enough to be installed to a two-storey height without mechanical fixing and durable enough to withstand exposure to harsh coastal elements without degrading.

An important part of the build was to maintain a realistic stone appearance for years to come, of which Country Ledgestone in Echo Ridge from the Cultured Stone® range was used, proving instrumental in expressing the desired coastal aesthetic of the project. The decision to use this material was simple – it had fewer maintenance requirements, offered more durability over other products, and proved a cost-effective choice long term. The product used was also lighter than natural stone, meaning easy installation and no requirement for higher level mechanical fixings.

Architect: Humel Architecture