Quito-based developer Uribe Schwarzkopf, in collaboration with Japanese architecture studio Kengo Kuma & Associates, have announced plans for a new addition to Quito’s skyline: Qapital, a 32-story mixed-use tower with a rooftop terrace, expected to complete in 2029. This is Kengo Kuma’s first project in Ecuador.
Located opposite La Carolina Park in Quito’s central business district, Qapital’s design and 125.8-metre height offers breathtaking views, for both residents and passers by. The building’s textured façade draws inspiration from the Andes’ rich geology, mirroring the mountain range’s rugged beauty which is visible from the tower’s floor-to-ceiling windows. Balconies appear carved into the façade, creating organic niches that are accentuated by greenery on every level, bringing nature into the façade and daily life. The foliage on the balconies also seeks to emulate another characteristic of Andean rocks: their porous surface, which provides ample space for plants to grow within its crevices.
The building’s roof terrace features an outdoor swimming pool adorned by a Fornasetti mosaic, marking the legacy Italian brand’s first project in South America. Each tile will be produced by Bisazza, the industry's leading producer of glass mosaics for interior and exterior decoration.
Qapital consists of three ground-floor commercial units and 509 micro-apartment studios between 21m² and 36.15m² in size. The building combines functional design with compact living space, offering a flexible and dynamic opportunity for both living and investment. Qapital is a short walk from La Carolina Metro Station and offers convenience for residents and guests with easy access to the city’s many services, amenities, and urban facilities.
This project builds upon Uribe Schwarzkopf’s legacy of bringing the global leading names of architecture to Ecuador, including Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), Ateliers Jean Nouvel, MAD Architects, Wanders & YOO, MVRDV, YOO inspired by Starck, and Safdie Architects, whilst also nurturing local firms including Leppanen + Anker, Diez + Muller, and Christian Wiese Arquitectos.
"I have long been interested in the similarities between ancient ceramics in Japan and Ecuador — their shared sensitivities to form and the valorization of natural material. With Qapital, that focus on nature and texture became the starting point for the design, visible through the building's carved façade and the weaving of nature into the heart of the city," says Kengo Kuma, founder of Kengo Kuma & Associates.
“Our collaboration with Kengo Kuma & Associates and Fornasetti reflects our commitment to bringing projects by the world’s most innovative, esteemed architects and designers to the city. Quito has seen rapid growth in the short-term rental market in recent years, so it was important for us to develop a building with compact, flexible living in mind, impeccable design and quality amenities that enhance everyday living, helping to attract new residents and visitors to our vibrant city,” says Joseph Schwarzkopf, CEO of Uribe Schwarzkopf.
