In the heart of Maroochydore, a residential development named SOL is reshaping urban coastal living by placing communal experiences and nature at its core.
Developed by Walker Corporation in collaboration with Plus Architecture, SOL features two 19-storey towers comprising 248 residences, alongside commercial spaces and ground-floor retail, marking a significant milestone within Maroochydore’s Priority Development Area.
Designed to foster meaningful connections among residents, SOL integrates thoughtfully crafted communal spaces that encourage interaction, wellbeing, and creativity.
Kate Ockwell, Associate and Interior Design Lead at Plus Architecture, explained: “With SOL, we set out to explore how apartment living can be a meaningful and grounded experience that strengthens the connection between people, place and nature.
“Through a deeply layered design process, the communal areas of this project highlight how architecture can actively support wellbeing, connection and creativity in a burgeoning urban centre.”
She added: “Representing an evolution in apartment design philosophy, we have elevated the communal spaces so that they become the heart of the development — creating a framework where community naturally forms through thoughtfully designed shared environments.”
SOL’s communal amenities are designed to facilitate diverse modes of connection.
Highlights include an expansive rooftop terrace offering views accessible to all residents, a 20-metre resort-style pool with spa, cold plunge, saunas and steam rooms on Level 4, and multiple garden areas that provide settings for social rituals and shared activities.
Additional features like a sunset lawn with fire pit zones and picnic tables, a residents’ lounge, and a co-working space cater to social, professional, and creative needs.
Ockwell noted: “We’ve designed multiple facilities that support different modes of connection.
“The Zen Lounge offers flexible seating with modular lounges that allow for both solo relaxation and casual interaction, while the private dining room provides customisable settings for both formal dinners and relaxed brunches.
“We’re seeing a shift in how people want to live and work together, and SOL is a direct response to this collective desire for meaningful connection.”
Nature is intricately woven into the development through biophilic design principles.
Lush cascading planting on the building’s facade establishes a living identity, while communal vegetated rooftop spaces reduce urban heat and provide shared access to ocean, river, and hinterland views.
Naturally ventilated breezeways with vegetation foster social microclimates where residents can meet organically. Ockwell emphasised: “The materials and finishes at SOL reflect the natural environment of the Sunshine Coast, creating shared spaces that feel authentically connected to place.
“These communal areas facilitate a collective relationship with the area’s natural character and way of life, bringing residents together through a shared sense of belonging.”
Walker’s Executive of Development Peter Saba described the broader vision, stating: “Our vision for SOL was to create the highest quality residences with shared spaces to bring people together, all connected to landscaped communal areas, shops, restaurants and transport.”
He highlighted the community-building aspect, stating: “From multigenerational families buying to live close to each other, to first home buyers and downsizers, SOL is drawing a broad mix of residents, laying the foundations for a strong community.”
SOL also incorporates artistic and storytelling elements that inspire community identity.
Local artworks adorn communal spaces as part of the Maroochydore City Centre project, while entrance lobbies feature statement design elements reflecting coastal themes.
Ockwell reflected: “Luxury isn’t just what you see but how it makes you feel, as both an individual and alongside others.
“We’ve used rich textures like boucle upholstery, honed stone, and warm timber in the common areas, to create communal spaces that resonate emotionally with residents and their guests.
“Communal amenity is where connection is built over time, and in high-density living, these shared spaces are what shape collective identity, comfort and community.”
With its integration of nature, connection-focused design, and inspirational communal areas, SOL by Walker represents a new vision for urban coastal living — one that places community and wellbeing at its heart while supporting Maroochydore’s emergence as a vibrant, sustainable city centre.
The project stands as a $220 million investment expected to deliver approximately 248 homes, commercial facilities, and retail spaces, with construction underway as part of the city centre’s long-term growth strategy.
