Kengo Kuma & Associates has revealed plans for Qapital Tower, a 32-story mixed-use development that will become the studio’s first completed project in Ecuador. Designed in collaboration with local developer Uribe Schwarzkopf, the tower is scheduled for completion in 2029 and will rise within the central business district of Quito, directly facing La Carolina Park.
Standing at 125.8 meters, the project combines residential, commercial, and communal functions within a vertically layered structure intended to respond to the density and pace of contemporary urban life. The tower introduces 509 micro-apartment studios ranging from 21 to 36 square meters, addressing the growing demand for compact housing solutions in centrally located neighborhoods. Positioned near La Carolina Metro Station, the development connects residents to public transportation and the wider infrastructure of the city.
The architectural concept draws heavily from the geological landscape of the Andes. Textured surfaces and recessed openings shape the facade, where carved balconies create deep cavities filled with vegetation. According to architect Kengo Kuma, the project reflects a dialogue between Japanese and Ecuadorian material sensibilities, particularly through the integration of natural textures and planted surfaces into the structure itself. The layered facade evokes the porous character of Andean rock formations, where vegetation emerges naturally from cracks and crevices.
Floor-to-ceiling glazing expands outward views toward the surrounding mountains and urban landscape while strengthening the relationship between interior living spaces and the exterior environment. Greenery integrated throughout the elevation softens the vertical mass of the building and contributes to a more open atmospheric presence within the dense urban fabric.
At the rooftop, the project introduces an outdoor swimming pool featuring a mosaic designed by Fornasetti, marking the Italian atelier’s first intervention in South America. The mosaic will be produced by Bisazza, known internationally for its glass mosaic craftsmanship. Additional amenities include wellness and fitness facilities, a private cinema, gaming areas, social lounges, and dedicated spaces for pets, reflecting a residential model centered on shared experiences and multifunctional living.
Even before construction begins, the majority of the units have already been sold, signaling strong interest in smaller and more adaptable urban housing formats. Through Qapital Tower, Kengo Kuma & Associates extends its architectural language into the Ecuadorian context while engaging with broader discussions surrounding density, mobility, and contemporary metropolitan living.
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Photo: (c) courtesy of Kengo Kuma & Associates