Kategora has begun construction of its first project in Seville with Kora Sevilla, marking the arrival of its ‘Urban’ line in southern Spain. Located in Nervión, one of the most dynamic and strategic districts in the Andalusian capital, the development will involve a €32 million investment to shape a building of 10,000 m² and 136 accommodation units. Kora Sevilla will operate under a hotel license and is scheduled to open at the end of 2027.
The architectural design, led by the Seville-based firm BAKPAK, draws inspiration from the city’s ceramic tradition to create a building that embodies the history and aesthetics of Seville. The envelope, conceived as an industrialized structure, incorporates textures and patterns inspired by the glazed ceramics of La Cartuja Island, as well as the iconic Alcázar red found in many palace houses in the historic center. «We wanted a building that spoke the language of Seville—one that could be recognized in its colours, its traditions, and its forms, yet reinterpreted through a contemporary and sustainable lens,» explains Eneko Balda, Chief Development Officer at Kategora. Thus, the façade acts as a “second skin” providing passive solar protection, generating shade, and enhancing energy efficiency. The awnings and large windows will allow glimpses of the interior from the outside, where a lobby visually connects the different floors and serves as the social epicenter of the complex.
The interior design of Kora Sevilla, led by the studio Furtivo, is inspired by the essence of Seville seen through a contemporary design approach. Upon entering the building, visitors will find a lounge that reinterprets the classic Andalusian courtyard, featuring a small fountain and native vegetation that evoke the slow and welcoming rhythms of Sevillian life. The interior spaces are defined by dynamic materials, reflections, and chromatic accents that convey movement and vitality. In contrast, the 136 accommodation units, arranged across five typologies ranging from 27 to 46 m², have been conceived as timeless retreats with a warm and neutral palette, where more intense colours appear in textiles and decorative elements. As the CEO and founder of the Basque company, Kepa Apraiz, explains, Kora Sevilla «aims to ensure that each person finds the space they need in this complex—whether a place for connection or a haven of calm.»
Kora Sevilla will offer more than 1,600 m² of shared areas designed to encourage interaction between visitors and the local community. Highlights include a txoko—a space deeply rooted in Basque culture where friends, family, or neighbours gather to cook, share, and enjoy food— with access to two terraces, a gym, coworking spaces, a restaurant, and a café, as well as an intermediate terrace featuring a 20-meter infinity pool. On the top floor, a panoramic rooftop will crown the building, offering privileged views of the city, becoming one of Kora Sevilla’s signature spaces.
Kora Plaza, located on the ground floor, will be an open space for the city, with 594 m² designed to host cultural events and gatherings that foster interaction between guests and neighbours. The project will also feature approximately 70 underground parking spaces and bicycle parking stations to promote sustainable mobility. The landscaping, led by RSR Paisajismo, brings Seville’s botanical and cultural richness into the complex. Orange trees will take center stage alongside shrubs and native species inspired by iconic locations such as the Parque de María Luisa or the Archivo de Indias, creating an environment shaped by the city’s textures, colours, and aromas.
Following the path of other Kategora projects, Kora Sevilla will incorporate sustainable construction criteria, with active systems such as aerothermal energy for domestic hot water (DHW). In addition, passive measures will include the installation of solar panels designed to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint. According to Balda, «our goal is to obtain BREEAM certification, ensuring that this project meets the highest standards of efficiency, thermal and acoustic comfort while guaranteeing user well-being.»
The new Kategora complex will open in the Nervión district at the end of 2027 and will be operated by its hotel brand Kora Living under the ‘Urban’ line. Conceived as a vibrant space fully integrated into the city, Kora Sevilla will follow the philosophy of other ‘Kora’ projects, prioritizing collaboration with local producers, businesses, and artists to generate a positive impact on its surrounding environment.
