South Melbourne’s urban renewal has taken a significant step forward with the completion of the first stage of R.Iconic, a world-class $850 million multi-residential development defined by one of Melbourne’s most striking sloped tower designs.
Designed by award-winning architecture practice Plus Architecture and delivered in collaboration with Australian-owned real estate developer R.Corporation, R.Iconic Stage 1 sees the completion of the first of two towers. Linked through an innovative angular design, they will transform the city’s skyline.
Setting a new benchmark for luxurious apartment living, the first stage of the project, a 31-storey tower comprises 451 apartments and five townhouses with access to unrivalled lifestyle amenities.
The addition of a supermarket – Coles and Liquorland have already opened – and a variety of cafes, restaurants, and retail spaces further injects a new village-style centre into a highly desirable and evolving pocket of South Melbourne.
Plus Architecture Director Ian Briggs said R.Iconic was designed to integrate into its surroundings while also forming an important visual landmark for South Melbourne – a demonstration of their meticulous design approach for what marks Plus Architecture’s largest and most significant Victorian multi-residential project to date.
“Referencing the masonry of the existing neighbourhood, the building is like a sculptural object, engaging and evocative in its expression,” Briggs said.
“It will serve as an important wayfinding device that’s visible from across the city and the bay, a gateway to the emerging CBD South precinct, and importantly a new destination for the wider community in an area that does not yet have a commercial centre.”
Located at 259 Normanby Road, R.Iconic is situated at a place of transition from the established heritage character of South Melbourne to commercial high-rise development in the nearby CBD.
Respectful of the area’s built fabric, the tapered form of the final two 31- and 41-storey buildings will sensitively integrate with the low-scale suburban landscape and ensure minimal overshading of adjacent parklands.
The building’s exterior comprises solid panels and glazing with a brick base podium, an aesthetic nod to South Melbourne’s iconic masonry and existing materiality.
Briggs added: “The building language of R.Iconic’s brick base podium and glass towers speak to its unique location – the towers and their deliberately distinct ‘sliced’ built form are contemporary hallmarks that physically represent this idea of transition.”
Catering to an emerging demographic of purchasers seeking large, centrally located apartments over detached dwellings, the generously sized 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments are designed for family-friendly living with ample storage, oversized balconies, and access to high-end lifestyle amenities.
R.Iconic’s world-class podium rooftop holds an acre of landscaped gardens designed by acclaimed landscape architect Paul Bangay – one of the largest green rooftops in Melbourne.
With a 300-metre running track, gym, playground, private dining pods and heated pool, this expansive shared space reflects the type of community design more often seen in Singaporean high-rise feats and is central to the project’s overall aim to support resident wellbeing.
Construction commenced on R.Iconic Stage 1 in 2020, with the architectural team and project partners leveraging their joint expertise through the pandemic to realise the complex architectural vision for the near-$1b tower with precision and mastery.
R.Corporation Financial and Commercial Director Nick Consiglio said that from early design concepts to the completion of R.Iconic’s first stage, Plus Architecture had recognised and harnessed the distinct characteristics of the site.
“At the very heart of R.Iconic has always been our intention to deliver a project that delivers something of worth and value to Melbourne, now and into the future,” Consiglio said.
“Based on our longstanding relationship, we had confidence in Plus Architecture’s unique understanding of the built fabric of our city and their ability to act as a trusted partner to bring our vision to life.
“R.Iconic architecturally pushes the limits of what has been achieved before in South Melbourne and will not only become an important visual landmark for the area and surrounds, but an engaging centre for the CBD South precinct.”
Designed by DesignOffice the communal amenities and lobby provide welcoming spaces – setting the tone for the interiors across the broader development, which have been designed by Plus Architecture.
Elegant and inviting, the interiors emphasise natural light and spectacular views of the bay, city and nearby parklands. Exclusive penthouses and townhouses created by esteemed interior designer David Hicks add an element of elevated luxury to the project, with outdoor terraces and spacious plans creating shared outdoor dining and entertaining opportunities.
Once complete, R.Iconic’s taller, 41-storey Stage 2 building will offer a further 424 apartments, and a sky lounge with spectacular views of the city skyline and Port Phillip Bay.
A future vision for the complex will see R.Iconic evolve into a village hub with shared workspaces, innovation labs and hospitality spaces over to the public.