Carlos Zapata and Uribe Schwarzkopf Unveil Unique: A Stunning 24-Story Mixed-Use Residential Tower in Quito, Ecuador
Inspired by the Neighboring La Carolina Park, Unique is Designed to be Light and Porous, Featuring a Three-Story Open-Air Communal Area that Divides the Building at its Midpoint
November 24, 2020 (Quito, Ecuador) – Today, Uribe Schwarzkopf and award-winning architecture firm Carlos Zapata Studio unveiled its first project together: Unique, a striking, sculptural building that is primed to become a new highlight of Quito’s skyline. On the northern edge of La Carolina park, a central greenspace in the city’s dynamic urban center, Zapata designed the building to look light, airy, and porous, embracing the natural qualities of Quito’s big, open sky cradled in the Andes mountains. A three-story communal area at the midpoint of the building, which features a pool and outdoor lounge, breaks up the structure in combination with the vertical gardens, each allowing sky and earth to pervade the towering 24-story building.
The 99-unit apartment building is centrally located at the heart of a thriving metropolitan and recreational district close to La Carolina park, which offers ample green space, business districts, and terrific bars and restaurants. The soon to be completed Metro, Quito’s first underground transit line, will have a key station located a few steps from the building, increasing its accessibility to and from the different sectors of the city. Using mostly glass for the facade plus aluminum panels, the building’s sculptural fold bolsters its contemporary aesthetic while providing each unit with breathtaking views across every corner of Quito. The alignment of the building and expansive glass windows are designed for optimum levels of light and heat, as well as privacy within the apartments.
“As our first residential building in Ecuador, we were inspired by Quito’s particular geographical setting – the surrounding valleys and the Andes mountains and volcanoes, the busy city streets, and ample green space,” noted Carlos Zapata. “It’s always exciting to make your mark on a skyline, and we wanted to represent Quito properly and embrace its bountiful natural surroundings and dynamic community.”
The project was designed with sustainability top-of-mind, following a local eco-efficiency matrix which dictates the conscious use of materials, construction systems, and technical design. Unique was conceived to generate the smallest possible impact when it comes to the use of non-renewable resources, such as electrical energy saving, use of potable water, collecting and reusing rainwater, water treatment, and irrigation systems.
“We were thrilled to bring Carlos Zapata and his renowned studio to Quito,” said Tommy Schwarzkopf, founder of Uribe Schwarzkopf. “His unique take on building design has added another beautiful landmark to our skyline and has provided our community with a first-class residence in a dynamic neighborhood with close proximity to La Carolina park and access to a major Metro station. This building will have an enormous impact on the neighborhood and improve the quality of life along the avenue it anchors.”
As is typical of Uribe Schwarzkopf properties, Unique features generous amenities for residents, including a covered pool and second rooftop pool, fitness room with spinning studio, spa with sauna, steam room, and massage room, outdoor lounges and barbecues, game room with arcade and kids room, screening room, business center, as well as a doorman lobby. The building also features a large-scale work from a local artist displayed in the lobby.
Building Facts
- Architect: Carlos Zapata Studio and Uribe Schwarzkopf
- Interiors: Uribe Schwarzkopf
- Address: Av. Naciones Unidas y Amazonas
- Total Square Meters: 18,846.16
- Number of Units: 99 apartments, 5 commercial units
- Number of Floors: 24
- Communal Amenities: Doorman lobby, gym, spinning room, spa, covered swimming pool, rooftop pool, game room with arcade, kid room, screening room, business center and outdoor space with barbecues.
Unique - Carlos Zapata + Uribe Schwarzkopf - photo Uribe SchwarzkopfUnique - Carlos Zapata + Uribe Schwarzkopf - photo Uribe Schwarzkopf
Unique - Carlos Zapata + Uribe Schwarzkopf - photo Uribe Schwarzkopf
Unique - Carlos Zapata + Uribe Schwarzkopf - photo Uribe Schwarzkopf
Unique - Carlos Zapata + Uribe Schwarzkopf - photo Uribe Schwarzkopf
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About Carlos Zapata
Carlos Zapata Studio is an award-winning master planning, architectural design, interior design and furniture design firm whose projects range from professional sports arenas to airport concourses to commercial high rises to private homes.
Based in New York City, CZS specializes in finding functional solutions to difficult design issues, while maintaining a commitment to elegance and design excellence. Notable projects include the Chicago Bears Stadium (Chicago - 2003), the Bitexco Financial Tower (Ho Chi Minh City 2010), and luxury residence Sculptura Ardmore (Singapore - 2014).