Uribe Schwarzkopf has announced major plans for a dynamic new project, The Hills, in collaboration with MVRDV. Signaling Uribe Schwarzkopf’s first project in Guayaquil, and MVRDV’s first in South America, The Hills will add to the urban development of the city’s district of Santa Ana Port.
Located along the waterfront, The Hills will comprise six mixed-use towers ranging from 300 to over 450 feet, rising in height as they ascend from the riverfront. In addition to providing well-designed, modern residences, the plan will also feature leading amenities including a yoga studio, a spa, and an ice skating rink in what will form a remarkable new destination for residents of the city and an invaluable retreat for residents.
“The building is almost a city in itself, with towers of different heights, so it’s a mini skyline – but it’s also part of a larger skyline along the promenade,” says MVRDV founding partner Jacob van Rijs. “It was important for us that the project was not just an island in the city, but that it offered access for others as well, that it would give something back in the form of a public plinth. So it’s a very exciting space for people to go to, somewhere that we hope people can meet with friends.”
Inspired by the diversity of the city, the design of The Hills celebrates the many juxtapositions found in Guayaquil itself – from the broad expanse of the river to the nearby mountains, and the modern high-rises on the shoreline set against the colorful hillside settlements of the Santa Ana Hill.
The exterior of the complex complements the existing contemporary architecture found within Santa Ana Port. Defined by its curved exterior and integrated greenery, the base of the residential towers merge to form a terraced green valley containing an oasis of amenities for residents and visitors to enjoy, from sports fields to a large urban amphitheater. The staggered terraces and vegetation planted throughout help to regulate the temperature of the public spaces, reducing the amount of energy needed to cool the buildings.
Leading the way in sustainable design and architecture, The Hills will be the first real estate project in Ecuador to be supplied with clean energy from a photovoltaic field. Designed to generate an environmental benefit for the city and for the residents of the project, the scheme will use 100% of energy from this route to power the communal areas and residences. In addition, the projects will collect and store rainwater for irrigation use in the gardens, and install LED lighting and heat pumps to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the development.
“The Hills represents a milestone for eco-friendly design in Ecuador and reflects our commitment to Healthy Urbanism, building the best quality of life for our customers while helping them to reduce their carbon footprint,” shares Joseph Schwarzkopf, General Manager, Uribe Schwarzkopf. “We are looking forward to seeing the building come to life and become part of the fabric of Guayaquil.”
This important urban contribution is part of the new urban plan for Guayaquil, which plans a public pedestrian promenade along the river. The boardwalk proposes to include a pedestrian promenade, bicycle path, and green spaces, accentuating the visual connectivity of the city with the Guayas River.
For more information visit www.uribeschwarzkopf.com/en/
Promenade design by Intemperie Studio and Uribe Schwarzkopf (Architect: Carla Arellano).
Structural engineering by Grupo Vera, a Guayaquil based firm.
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