January 2026 – Construction is underway on R.Evolution – the final tower within R.Corporation’s landmark R.Iconic precinct in South Melbourne.
Designed by Plus Studio, the 40-storey tower completes a nine-year vision that has transformed a once-industrial corner of the city fringe into a thriving vertical neighbourhood, enhanced by significant government investment into new parks, bike paths and traffic works. Conceived as the concluding chapter in a landmark story of urban renewal, R.Evolution reflects Plus Studio’s belief in creativity grounded by precision – design that connects people and place through clarity, materiality and imagination.
Building on the success of the multi award-winning R.Iconic Stage One, completed in 2023, R.Evolution delivers 419 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, premium sub-penthouses and four townhouses above a five-level brick podium. Together, the twin towers create a distinct architectural dialogue – sculptural and confident, yet grounded in the warmth and rhythm of South Melbourne’s built heritage.
Plus Studio and R.Corporation collaborated on the masterplanning, architecture, interiors and wayfinding, ensuring the precinct operates as one holistic design. Engagement with placemaking and street activation specialists informed how residents and visitors move, meet and gather – shaping a development that balances urban density with human scale.
With more than 45 lifestyle amenities and facilities, R.Evolution offers a place where convenience and wellbeing coexist. At street level, active frontages and a new Coles Local and Liquorland establish a lively community heart, with additional hospitality venues currently in development.
The fifth level forms the precinct’s green heart – a one-acre landscaped rooftop by Paul Bangay OAM, featuring a lap pool, magnesium spa, saunas, outdoor gym, BBQ areas, dining pavilions and a children’s play space. Wellness-focused spaces include infrared therapy rooms, yoga and reformer pilates studio and a sensory reset room. Residents also have access to a communal living room, coworking and wellness areas, library, café, wine cellar, cinema, golf simulator, 24-hour concierge and a dedicated dog spa — creating a setting where social connection and retreat harmoniously intersect.
A defining 20-metre void separates the two towers, conceived as a gesture of light and openness that frames uninterrupted views to Port Phillip Bay and the city skyline. The podium extends the material and spatial language established in Stage One, connecting the contemporary form to its streetscape while integrating new retail and hospitality at ground level.
Inside, the design pursues the same sense of balance that defines the architecture. Light is the organising principle, drawn deep into each home through expansive glazing and reflected across pale timber flooring and crisp white joinery. The material palette is deliberately restrained to allow views to take prominence, while generous proportions and refined detailing enhance the experience of calm and openness.
Every residence is designed with long-term livability in mind – intuitive layouts, ample storage and quality finishes that stand the test of time. Targeting carbon net zero operation and a 7-star NatHERS rating, R.Evolution demonstrates a commitment to deliver sustainable designs. Every design decision – from orientation and glazing to material selection – was considered to balance performance, wellbeing and longevity.
R.Corporation Director of Sales & Marketing, Andrew Crichton added, “The strong demand of R.Evolution highlights Melbourne’s appetite for design-led, community-focused living. Together Page 1 of 2 with Plus Studio, we’re delivering the next evolution of city life – premium homes that prioritise amenity, wellbeing, convenience and a genuine sense of belonging.”
Located at 253–257 Normanby Road, R.Evolution is under construction by Maxcon Constructions and is scheduled for completion in 2027. The project marks the culmination of a visionary, city-shaping precinct that redefines urban living and sets a new benchmark for design-led development in Melbourne.
The R. Evolution display suite is located onsite at 52 Boundary Street, South Melbourne.
