Epiq Residential Complex

Inspired by the historic center and colors of Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a Unesco World Heritage Site, Epiq is a 24-story residential complex designed by Uribe Schwarzkopf and BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group, in muted, earthy tones achieved with Marazzi brick cladding. Located in the leafy Parque La Carolina district, Epiq is made up of a residential block formed by two intersecting volumes, plus retail areas and multiple offices.

The architects aimed to create a vertical neighborhood that seamlessly integrates the urban space while promoting a sense of community. To achieve this, a constellation of building volumes of different sizes was created, offering residents a variety of spaces and landscapes. The complex is characterized by large green terraces and balconies that break up the compact tower form and provide enviable views of the adjacent park area.

Sustainability was another key consideration for the architects. As such, Epiq is equipped with a gray water treatment facility and an archive of building materials that will allow all the elements used in creating the complex to be recycled in the future. These include Marazzi’s special rectified fine porcelain tiles developed specifically for the project, which are part of a customized line. Through different color shades, they help give each volume its own identity. Indeed, environmental awareness has been part and parcel of the company’s approach in this industry for years and now, as further assurance of its green credentials, the 6x24 cm, 9 mm-thick bricks also have Greenguard, Declare and HPD certifications, which guarantee their origin and attest to the reduced air and water emissions during their manufacture.

Finally, the wellness area in the residential block is a standout among the services offered to residents. Here, too, Uribe Schwarzkopf and BIG have used color to highlight different architectural elements and create distinct identities for each area. For example, the walls and floors are covered with bright and lively turquoise 6x24 cm tiles from Marazzi’s Crogiolo Lume series.