Sydney RSL Club Reimagined, Soul Intact

Club Rose Bay reopened in December after a renovation that balances modernity with its 75-year history as a Sydney RSL hub. The project, led by Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes, aimed to update the venue without erasing its roots. Designers focused on materials like timber and brick, reinterpreting the 1940s architecture in a way that feels fresh rather than nostalgic. “The goal was warmth and community,” said Kelvin Ho of Akin Atelier, whose firm handled the interiors. The renovation marked the club’s first major transformation since 1979, reflecting its longstanding commitment to veterans and the Rose Bay community while addressing the need for contemporary facilities to ensure relevance across generations.

The dining area, Notti’s, uses cherry-stained timber and amber glass to create a space that looks out over Rose Bay. Adjacent to it is the Pizza Oven Bar, which retains original corbelled brickwork from the building’s facade. These details are intentional, ensuring the club’s identity remains visible even as new elements are added. The project was a collaborative effort, with architecture and interiors by Akin Atelier and styling by the Merivale Design Studio, led by Design Director Nasim Koerting. The brief emphasized a dual responsibility: preserving the club’s legacy while modernizing its offerings to meet evolving expectations of both veterans and the broader public.

One standout space is Mr Pop, designed as a 1950s airport lounge. Conceived as a 1950s airport lounge, it nods to the site’s history as Australia’s first international airport. The room’s soft peach lighting contrasts with the more traditional sports bar, which features pool tables, leather banquettes, and inlaid mahogany chess boards on solid timber tables. The design team meticulously preserved the building’s architectural language, using textured glass and timber to reinterpret the 1940s fabric without veering into overt nostalgia. Kelvin Ho emphasized that the intent was to “evoke warmth and a sense of community,” mirroring the ethos of the classic Australian RSL.

Outdoor areas expand the venue’s appeal. Alfresco dining, an Airstream bar, and courts for pickleball and basketball cater to families and casual visitors. These additions reflect a push to make the club a destination for broader community use, not just veterans.

A memorabilia hall, carved from custom-milled timber, holds photographs and artifacts from over a century of Australian military history. Nasim Koerting of Merivale Design Studio called the space “a quiet reminder of the stories we carry.” The hall’s design incorporates integrated curiosity cabinets, housing curated artefacts that highlight the club’s role as a repository of Australian service history.