Award-winning practice Plus Architecture has received development approval for Bella Vie — French for “beautiful life” — a refined 28-storey residential tower in Main Beach’s pristine Pacific Street precinct. Developed by Arena Property, the project will transform 47-49 Pacific Street, currently home to a three-level walk-up with 12 units.
Set on an amalgamated 1,010-square-metre site, just one street back from the oceanfront and flanked by tennis courts, Bella Vie’s standalone position has enabled Plus Architecture to create a sculptural form that celebrates views from every angle. Drawing inspiration from the way coastal winds shape the shoreline, the design features a sophisticated material palette of light-toned concrete, blonde timber-look cladding, and natural stone, with the dynamic building envelope wrapping seamlessly around the entire structure.
The tiered, four-level podium appears naturally eroded, with overlapping architectural elements creating a cascading green edge that enriches the existing streetscape. Residents arrive through an undercroft of green that flows into a lush garden lobby experience, reinforcing the development’s commitment to reinvigorating the street through its welcoming pedestrian interface.
Discussing the design intention, Plus Architecture Project Lead, Jana van Wijk, commented: “Rather than prioritising a single street facade, we’ve conceived Bella Vie as a homogenous form that presents beautifully from all aspects. The design creates an intimate, pedestrian-scaled experience while maintaining the development’s heroic presence.”
The development comprises 56 quarter-floor, two-bedroom apartments (each with a study or multi-purpose room) below Level 18, and 14 half-floor, three-bedroom residences above. Two four-bedroom penthouses crown the building, each featuring a dedicated home office and private 120-square-metre-plus rooftop with pool, spa, outdoor kitchen, lawn, and firepit.
Resident amenities are thoughtfully distributed throughout the building, with Level 18 offering a residents’ lounge with games area, library, wine cellar, private dining room, and outdoor sunset dining area. This level also includes a dedicated work-from-home space with boardroom, and a 91-square-metre gym featuring a Pilates studio, sunrise yoga deck, and functional training room. At podium level, residents enjoy a swimming pool with spa and wet deck, complemented by hot and cold plunges and a sauna.
Reflecting on how the project will deliver for the target market, Plus Architecture Principal, Chrisney Formosa, said: “Main Beach has a unique character defined by its emphasis on lifestyle, wellness, and privacy. The development responds directly to the community’s desire for sizable living spaces and seamless connection to coastal amenity, from morning beach walks to evening ocean views.”
Establishing a new benchmark for sophisticated coastal living, the project marks a significant addition to Plus Architecture’s growing portfolio of boutique residential developments in Main Beach — joining Drift Residences and Lagoon. The location holds special significance for the practice, which established its first Gold Coast studio in Main Beach.
