Qapital tower by Kengo Kuma uses ceramic cladding informed by local craft
Amy Duong — April 15, 2026 — Art & Design
References: dezeen
The Qapital tower by Kengo Kuma is a 32-storey mixed-use building planned for Quito, Ecuador, developed by Uribe Schwarzkopf. The project includes three ground-floor commercial units and 509 residential studios ranging from 21 to 36.15 square metres. The façade is defined by carved ceramic surfaces that reference the geology of the Andes, forming irregular openings that create depth and variation across the exterior. Balconies are integrated within these carved sections, allowing vegetation to grow directly from the façade.
The tower reaches approximately 125.8 metres and is located opposite La Carolina Park within the city’s central district. A rooftop terrace includes an outdoor pool with a mosaic designed by Fornasetti and produced by Bisazza. Additional amenities include a fitness centre, cinema room, pet spa, and wellness areas. The project is scheduled for completion in 2029, marking Kengo Kuma’s first built work in Ecuador.
Image Credit: Kengo Kuma
The tower reaches approximately 125.8 metres and is located opposite La Carolina Park within the city’s central district. A rooftop terrace includes an outdoor pool with a mosaic designed by Fornasetti and produced by Bisazza. Additional amenities include a fitness centre, cinema room, pet spa, and wellness areas. The project is scheduled for completion in 2029, marking Kengo Kuma’s first built work in Ecuador.
Image Credit: Kengo Kuma
Trend Themes
1. Craft-informed High-rise Facades - By blending regional ceramic craft techniques with vertical architecture, facades become culturally resonant elements that redefine urban identity and market differentiation.
2. Textured Passive Envelope Systems - Facades designed for dynamic shading and airflow introduce building envelopes that substantially reduce cooling loads and reshape HVAC demand profiles.
3. Modular Ceramic Cladding - Prefabricated ceramic modules enable repeatable, scalable façade assemblies that simplify installation logistics while permitting local material expression.
Industry Implications
1. Residential Real Estate Development - Projects that integrate craft-led ceramic exteriors present new value propositions for premium urban housing through aesthetic distinction and climate-responsive performance.
2. Facade Manufacturing and Materials - Demand for customizable ceramic components creates opportunities for specialized producers to offer engineered systems combining durability with artisanal finishes.
3. Sustainable Urban Construction - Incorporating passive ceramic envelope solutions supports lower operational energy intensity in dense cities and influences lifecycle carbon accounting for high-rise projects.
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