Signalling Uribe Schwarzkopf’s first project in Guayaquil, and MVRDV’s first scheme in South America, The Hills will add to the urban development of the city’s district of Santa Ana Port. Offering a new landmark for the city and located along the waterfront, The Hills will comprise six mixed-use towers ranging from 99m to 117m, rising in height as they ascend from the riverfront. In addition to providing well-designed, modern residences, the mixed-use scheme 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 the residents of The Hills.
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 colourful 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 amphitheatre. The staggered terraces and vegetation planted throughout helps to regulate the temperature of the public spaces, reducing the amount of energy needed to cool the buildings.
Future of sustainable design
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.
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.
Joseph Schwarzkopf, general manager, Uribe Schwarzkopf, said:
“We’re excited to announce plans for The Hills, our first project in Guayaquil and the latest contribution to the growing transformation of Santa Ana Port. 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. We are looking forward to seeing the building come to life and become part of the fabric of Guayaquil.”
MVRDV founding partner Jacob van Rijs commented:
“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. 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.”
The Hills’ broad selection of apartment sizes, abundance of amenities, retail options and vibrant public programme ensures a lively, social atmosphere. Prices start from USD $91,000.