Transforming First Impressions at Ibis Care Mortdale into a Welcoming, Functional, Dementia-Friendly Space.

Dynamis' thoughtful redesign revitalised the front-of-house, improving flow, privacy and everyday experience for residents, staff and visitors alike.

Client

Ibis Care

Date Completed

June 2025

Location

Mortdale NSW

Spaces

Reception, Waiting, Café, Admin, Visitor amenities

When Ibis Care acquired Ferndale Gardens, they inherited a reception and café zone that didn’t reflect the quality of care they were delivering. The reception was cluttered and confusing. The café was rarely used. Admin staff had no privacy. The overall aesthetic felt cold and commercial, particularly difficult for residents living with dementia.

Dynamis was brought in to reimagine the space with a clear brief to improve functionality, privacy and accessibility, all while the facility remained operational. From the start, the brief was clear: improve functionality, increase privacy, and create a warm, modern welcome without major structural changes or disrupting day-to-day operations.

Dynamis responded with a strategic, design-led refurbishment together with Tamara Prochnik of Stomp Studio. We saw the reception, café and admin areas not as isolated upgrades, but as one interdependent system. By rethinking the flow, layout and finishes, we were able to transform how people experience the space.

The new reception is light-filled and calming, with clearly defined zones for visitors and staff. It is professional and secure, yet still feels like a place of care, not a corporate lobby.

The café, once overlooked, has been reimagined as a communal lounge. Comfortable, hospitality-style seating and soft lighting have turned it into a social hub where residents connect with families and one another throughout the day.

Admin teams now work in spaces designed for focus and privacy, without sacrificing visibility or access.

↑ Construction timelapse of site

Designing for aged care means working with empathy, but also efficiency. This was a live facility, home to vulnerable residents, and the renovation needed to move quickly without compromising safety or comfort. We delivered the entire project within the timeframe with no delays, no unexpected costs, and no impact on daily operations.

This was more than just a facelift. Every design choice was anchored in dementia-awareness, accessibility with real-world staff workflows. From non-slip flooring and visual contrast to intuitive circulation and acoustic control, the new space is designed to reduce confusion and create calm.

Connect with the designer Tamara Prochnik of Stomp Studio

Client

Ibis Care

Date Completed

June 2025

Location

Mortdale NSW

Spaces

Reception, Waiting, Café, Admin, Visitor amenities

What our client says

Dynamis recently completed the renovation of our café and reception area at Ibis Care Mortdale, and we couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. Throughout the project, the team remained professional, responsive, and consistently met all deadlines. Impressively, the renovation was completed within budget, which speaks volumes about their planning and execution. The result is a warm, welcoming space that our residents, families, and staff can truly enjoy. We’re grateful for Dynamis’ work and proud of the transformation.". Glenn Kenneday - Project Manager
– Ibis Care