The new Aquarela Complex designed by Ateliers Jean Nouvel in Ecuador transforms the idea of an apartment living

Ateliers Jean Nouvel founded by the Pritzker Prize-winning architect reveals images of ‘Aquarela’– the new residential development in the east of the Quito capital in Ecuador. Presently the Phase 1 construction which included three vertical terraced towers specifically named as Terra, Aqua and Cielo which can be translated as Land, Water and sky has been completed in December 2020 and it is now hoping to complete the next six towers between 2021 and 2023 (to be carried out in three phases).

AJN, in collaboration with architecture studios Alberto MEDEM and Humboldt Arquitectos and the Ecuadorian developer Uribe & Schwarzkopf have designed the 136,580sq m complex in deep connection with the surrounding mountainous landscape. Located in Cumbaya in the lush Tumbaco Valley on the side of a volcano, the site boasts of impressive landscapes and surroundings. Therefore, an integration that would appear as a parody of the environment around was highly crucial in the conceptualisation of Aquarela. The towers are meant to appear as monoliths, complementing the contours of the valley along with the rocky gardens that intends to establish a connection with the residents to the natural outdoors.

The nine high-rise stone cladded residential towers will house 573 apartments covered in planted balconies, encompassing a greenery filled courtyard. The design hopes to echo the steep hills with the courtyards forming a pass allying them while the vertical gardens along with ornamented crevices would hold more greenery. Also, the gardens will be watered with collected rainwater.

The lobby area would be accommodated by green spaces to recommence the natural exterior envelope resulting in an arresting structure with its flora and facades. Meanwhile, the interior spaces would be characterised by large glass windows, tall slatted wooden structures and open spaces along with the exhaustive package of (residents) amenities like an ice rink, bowling alley, mini-golf course, sports courts, rooftop pools, spa and saunas, yoga and spinning rooms, beauty salons and a pet salon. Adding to this, solar panels mounted on the towers will generate the power to heat the complex’s water and for every tree cut down, another 10 will be planted, totalling to 850 new trees. Residents will also be able to access a lower interest rate on green mortgages due to Aquarela’s sustainable credentials, according to the studio.