In the heart of Maroochydore, a landmark development is reimagining what it means to live by the coast. SOL, a residential project by Plus Architecture in partnership with Walker Corporation, rises as a striking architectural expression of connection, community and nature-led design — one that’s setting a new benchmark for collective urban living.
Comprising two 19-storey towers with 248 residences, SOL is more than just a vertical neighbourhood. Located within the Priority Development Area of Maroochydore City Centre, it forms part of a broader vision for a vibrant, inclusive and well-connected urban future. But what distinguishes SOL isn’t just its scale or location — it’s the intent behind every shared space and design decision.
“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,” says Kate Ockwell, Associate and interior design lead at Plus Architecture. “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.”
This approach has resulted in communal spaces that act as the heart of the development. Far from being an afterthought, these shared environments are central to how residents experience life at SOL. A 20-metre resort-style pool, spa, cold plunge, and thermal facilities on Level 4 foster daily rituals and wellness routines. On the rooftop, all residents can enjoy sweeping views of the ocean, river and hinterland, regardless of their apartment position — an intentional move to ensure shared access and visual equity.
Designed with flexibility and interaction in mind, the communal areas offer a variety of social settings. From the Zen Lounge and private dining room to co-working hubs with hot desks and booths, the project acknowledges modern shifts in lifestyle and work. “We’ve designed multiple facilities that support different modes of connection,” says Ockwell. “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.”
SOL’s ethos extends beyond people — it’s grounded in place. A biophilic design approach weaves nature into the core of the development. Cascading green facades soften the buildings’ exterior and reinforce a shared visual identity, while breezeway corridors with integrated planting allow sunlight and airflow to move naturally through communal areas. “The materials and finishes at SOL reflect the natural environment of the Sunshine Coast,” Ockwell explains. “These communal areas facilitate a collective relationship with the area’s natural character and way of life.”
Throughout the project, architectural details elevate the everyday. From ribbed lobby tiles that echo ocean waves to honed stone and boucle textures in shared lounges, SOL celebrates tactile richness and local references. Walker Corporation has also integrated artworks from local artists throughout the development, enhancing its sense of place and providing moments of shared discovery.
“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,” says Peter Saba, Walker Group Executive of Development. That vision is drawing a wide demographic of residents — from multigenerational families and downsizers to first-home buyers — all of whom contribute to the project’s growing community.
As one of the most significant projects in the evolving Maroochydore City Centre, SOL is more than a residential address. It’s a living model of future-facing coastal urbanism — where the quality of shared experience defines the essence of home. In placing connection at its core, SOL lays the foundation for a new kind of collective lifestyle on the Sunshine Coast.
