Perched on Hobart's waterfront, Gibson's Mill Aparthotel is one of those rare projects where the bones do most of the talking. Built in the 1860s and operated as a working flour mill by the Gibson family for over a century, the heritage-listed warehouse sat largely dormant after closing in the 1970s.

It took Hobart-based practice 1+2 Architecture to imagine what it could become – converting the original structure into twelve self-contained apartments, each designed around a central light well that draws natural light and ventilation deep into the building's heart.

Exposed brick, heavy timber beams, and arched windows remain intact; the new spaces are woven around what already existed rather than replacing it.

To bring warmth and personality to the rooms, Tasmanian stylist and author Michelle Crawford was engaged to curate the interiors – drawing on signature pieces from the RJ Living collection.

Bree Steele, RJ Living's Trade Accounts Manager, worked closely on the selection process, with materiality at the centre of every decision. "Every piece was carefully chosen to strike the perfect balance between elevated aesthetics and long-term durability," Bree explains.

Boucle upholstery anchors the key seating pieces – chosen not only for its timeless texture and warmth, but as one of RJ Living's highest-performing commercial-grade fabrics. European solid oak coffee and side tables bring natural sophistication while standing up to the demands of daily use, and PU leather dining chairs offer the kind of easy-care practicality that busy accommodation environments require, without sacrificing a refined finish.

"The result is an interior that feels inviting, considered, and design-led — while delivering the resilience required for modern accommodation living." — Bree Steele, Trade Accounts Manager

The result is an interior that sits comfortably alongside the mill's industrial character – complementary rather than competing. Softness where the architecture is raw, warmth where the space might otherwise feel austere.

Gibson's Mill is a few minutes walk from Salamanca Place and the Saturday markets, making it a considered base for families, groups, and corporate travellers who want something more than a standard hotel room.

It's a project that shows what's possible when heritage, craft, and thoughtful specification come together – and a beautiful example of RJ Living pieces finding exactly the right home.