Gaia Building, Ecuador
Completed at the end of 2016, the Gaia Building has been heralded as a new landmark for the Ecuadorian capital of Quito. Designed by Leppanen + Anker Arquitectos, the building uses an innovative moulded façade system.
Creating 15,000 sq. m of mixed-use space, and topped with a large roof garden, the 15-storey tower provides a combination of commercial, office and residential units.
The building uses a repeating pattern to reduce the number of moulds used in forming the distinctive glass fibre reinforced concrete (GFRC) façade.
The benefits of this sinuous façade material include the efficiency and ease of its installation. A system of adjustable metallic connections allows easy alignment of the complex forms, and the 4m panels can be reused.
As the first new construction in the neighbourhood, the intention behind the design was to combine diverse elements to produce a ‘play of light and shadow of the surroundings’. Carved around the perimeter are deep balconies, intended to help reduce solar gain allow large glazing sections to be used without reducing the efficiency of the passively-controlled internal spaces.
[All images © Sebastián Crespo]
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Setting Expectations on Competence Management
Industry Competence Committee.
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.