International studio MAD Architects has unveiled the One River North apartment block in Denver, Colorado, featuring a striking canyon-like opening that dramatically alters its main facade. Located in the northern neighborhood of RiNo, this 15-story residential building pays homage to the geographic formations of the nearby Rocky Mountains.
- Innovative Design: One River North features a unique canyon-like opening in its facade, inspired by the natural rock formations of the nearby Rocky Mountains.
- Canyon Concept: The design combines textured stucco and open spaces to create a cave-like atmosphere, strengthening the connection between indoor and outdoor environments.
- Open Spaces with Terraces: The building includes an outdoor staircase that simulates Colorado’s mountainous trails and connects four levels with plants representing various biomes.
- Rooftop Amenities: A rooftop pool with waterfall and pine trees adds to the overall natural theme, offering residents a space reminiscent of Colorado’s alpine regions.
- Microclimate Design: Plants strategically selected according to wind and solar analysis create microclimates that enrich the living environment.
- Reflective Facade: The west-facing facade features highly reflective glass that reflects the surrounding mountains and creates a dynamic visual experience throughout the day.
- Community Focus: With 187 rental units, One River North aims to encourage community engagement and outdoor living by integrating public spaces into the residential experience.
- Sustainable Architecture: The project emphasizes sustainability by incorporating design elements that reflect the natural environment and promote well-being for its residents.
- Symbolic Connection: The building serves as a symbol of the relationship between urban life and nature, emphasizing the importance of integrating natural elements into architectural design.
- Future Development: One River North is part of a broader trend in Denver’s RiNo neighborhood that is shifting from industrial use to vibrant residential spaces that prioritize community and environmental harmony.
Design Concept
One River North’s design features a distinctive curved facade clad in a glass curtain wall marked by a large cut that appears to “crack” the building. MAD Architects aimed to evoke the imposing presence of natural rock formations against a more traditional residential facade.
Statement from the Architect
“The canyon looks like a natural space that opens a modern box,” said Ma Yansong, principal of MAD Architects. He emphasized that integrating open spaces, gardens and water features into this vertical canyon allows residents and visitors to enjoy the views and natural elements from various levels.
Canyon Features
Textured Plaster and Exteriors
The canyon effect is created using textured plaster protruding from the glass curtain wall, enhancing the lobby level and the stepped common areas along the base of the building. This design frames the lobby and provides a welcoming entrance.
From the sixth floor, the canyon transforms into a terrace with an open-air staircase connecting the four floors and simulating Colorado’s mountainous trails. The staircases and terraces are adorned with plants representing various biomes, reflecting the state’s ecology, which varies depending on altitude.
Plants Inspired by Biomes
- Foothills Vegetation: The lower floors have plants from the foothills, while the rooftop has pine trees reminiscent of the Alpine plateau.
- Rooftop Amenities: The roof area includes a pool with a waterfall designed to mimic natural erosion. This feature is complemented by other design details such as aggregate-weighted cement in the supporting columns.
Interior Spaces
Cave-like Atmosphere
Public indoor spaces, including the residence hall, are clad in plaster to create a cave-like ambience. Private balconies between the ninth floor and the roof are integrated into the canyon design, encouraging outdoor living and strengthening the connection to nature.
Microclimate Considerations
Plants throughout the building are selected according to wind and solar analysis, allowing the development of microclimates adapted to changing environmental conditions.
Environmental References
The building incorporates elements that reflect Colorado’s natural environment, such as a large boulder placed in the lobby that requires additional structural support for the foundation slab. The west-facing facade features highly reflective glazing that captures the surrounding mountains and strengthens the connection to the landscape.
Building Features
One River North consists of 187 rental units. Although the private spaces do not share the organic stucco walls of the canyon, rich wood finishes are used throughout the apartments to provide a natural aesthetic.
Facade Design
Particular attention to detail is evident on the west-facing façade, combining glass and opaque panels that resemble broken rock. The reflective coating on the glass allows the mountains to be reflected at certain times of the day.
MAD Architects’ One River North project is a remarkable example of how modern architecture can harmonize with natural landscapes. Its innovative design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of Denver’s RiNo neighborhood, but also encourages a deeper connection between residents and their surroundings. With its unique canyon-like features and careful integration of nature, this residential block sets a new standard for urban living in Colorado.
The project reflects a growing trend in architecture where the built environment and natural ecosystems intertwine, creating spaces that promote well-being and sustainability. As Denver continues to evolve, One River North is poised to become a vital part of the community, encouraging outdoor interaction and a lifestyle that embraces nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is One River North?
One River North is a residential apartment block located in the RiNo neighborhood of Denver, Colorado. Designed by MAD Architects, the building’s facade features a unique canyon-like opening inspired by the natural rock formations of the nearby Rocky Mountains.
When did construction of One River North begin and when is it expected to be completed?
Construction of One River North began in 2023. The building is expected to be completed by 2025 and will contribute to Denver’s evolving landscape of residential architecture.
What is the architectural design of One River North?
The building’s design incorporates a curved glass curtain wall with a dramatic cut that creates a “cracking” effect. This canyon feature is designed to evoke the imposing presence of natural formations and integrates open spaces and gardens into the building.
What does the interior of One River North look like?
The interiors, including the tranquil lounge, are finished with textured plaster to create a cave-like atmosphere. Private balconies integrated into the canyon design allow residents to enjoy outdoor living and views of the surrounding area.
What outdoor features are included in One River North?
The building features an outdoor staircase that simulates Colorado’s mountainous trails and connects the four floors. There is also a rooftop pool with a waterfall designed to mimic natural erosion and plants representing the different biomes of the state.
How were the plants selected for One River North?
Plants throughout the building were selected based on wind and solar analysis to create thriving microclimates that enhance the living experience for the occupants.
What environmental references are included in the design?
The lobby of One River North features a huge boulder that reflects the natural landscape of Colorado. In addition, the west-facing facade features highly reflective glass that reflects the surrounding mountains and further connects the building to its surroundings.
How many units does One River North consist of?
One River North consists of 187 rental units. While the private spaces do not feature the organic stucco walls found in the canyon area, rich wood finishes are used to maintain a connection to the building’s natural aesthetic.
What is the significance of the design in the RiNo neighborhood?
One River North is part of a broader trend of residential development in the RiNo neighborhood that is transitioning from industrial use to vibrant living spaces that prioritize community engagement and environmental harmony.
Reflections on One River North
One River North represents a significant advance in modern architecture and demonstrates how urban design can harmonize with nature. Its innovative features and thoughtful integration of open spaces create a unique living environment that promotes well-being and community connection.
What are your thoughts on One River North? Do you think its design effectively conveys a connection to nature and enhances urban living? Is there a particular aspect of architecture that resonates with you? Feel free to share your views!
Architect: MAD Architects
Architectural Style: Modern Residential
Year: 2023 (Construction Begins) – Expected Completion 2025
Location: Denver, Colorado