Melbourne unveils an architecturally striking residential tower named R.Iconic, marking the completion of the first phase of the $850-million multiresidential complex in South Melbourne.

Designed by Plus Architecture in collaboration with Design Office, interior designer David Hicks, and landscape architect Paul Bangay, the development at 259 Normanby Road will consist of two towers. The first tower, a magnificent 31-storey structure, comprises 451 apartments and five townhouses. Notably, it has already garnered recognition, winning a Design Excellence Award at the 2023 Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Victorian Awards for Excellence.

The building boasts a distinctive sloping glass facade atop a brick podium. Ian Briggs, director of Plus Architecture, explains that the angled facade was intentionally chosen to create a visually prominent landmark in South Melbourne. The brick podium complements the surrounding context, referencing the masonry prevalent in the neighborhood.

Described as a sculptural object, R.Iconic serves as a wayfinding device visible from various parts of the city and the bay. It acts as a gateway to the emerging CBD South precinct and offers a new destination for the local community, filling the void of a commercial center in the area.

The completed tower features a rooftop garden designed by landscape architect Paul Bangay, spanning an acre. The garden includes amenities such as a 300-meter running track, a gym, a playground, private dining pods, and a heated pool.

The second tower, expected to reach 41 storeys, will house an additional 424 apartments. The developer, R.Corporation, envisions the site becoming a vibrant "village hub" for the broader public, with plans for shared workspaces, innovation labs, and hospitality spaces.