This architectural marvel injects new life into the urban fabric

MAD Architects’ One River North apartment block in Denver, Colorado stands tall with its stunning, cracked-open facade.

A concept most probably currently in the making, what if we could peer inside the structures of the buildings around us, akin to having X-ray vision? Would extreme exposure of such kind be intoxicatingly mind-altering or bittersweetly overwhelming? MAD Architects has undisputedly proven the former with its One River North residential building in Denver, Colorado. Its large, canyon-like opening dramatically breaks open the exterior to reveal its breathtaking inner composition.

The concept behind the One River North residential building is primarily inspired by the city of Denver's majestic mountains and deep canyons. - © MAD Architects — The concept behind the One River North residential building is primarily inspired by the city of Denver’s majestic mountains and deep canyons. – © MAD Architects

Located in Denver’s northern River North Art District (RiNo) neighborhood under the watchful gaze of the nearby Rocky Mountains, the building features 187 rental units spread across 15 floors, along with a 9,000-square-foot ground-floor retail sector. The crack of natural terrain carves through the glass facade from the sixth to the ninth floor.

Founded in 2004 in Beijing with offices in Los Angeles and Rome, when it came to this project, MAD was guided by their desire to revitalize urban living by fusing natural experiences into modern architecture. This new immersive living experience holds the capacity to not only strengthen the relationships between its inhabitants but add texture to their ever-evolving connection to the natural world as well.

The building introduces a new, immersive living experience that prioritizes and simultaneously strengthens its inhabitants' connection to the natural world. - © MAD Architects — The building introduces a new, immersive living experience that prioritizes and simultaneously strengthens its inhabitants’ connection to the natural world. – © MAD Architects

The city of Denver is known for its rugged mountains and deep canyons that hold its urban area in a loving embrace. Close to the city’s center, RiNo has been the subject of a multifaceted makeover. Previously known as an industrial hub, the district has opened up and transformed into a thriving cultural hub for Colorado’s abstract thinkers, artistic minds, outdoor enthusiasts, and community builders.

While One River North addresses Denver’s need for high-density housing, it is primarily focused on providing an accessible wellness-centered way of life that encourages exploration, vitality, an active mind, and, most interestingly, a modern interpretation of togetherness.

The four-story cracked-open terrain references natural rock formations and is poetically juxtaposed to the modern geometric lines of the building's facade. - © MAD Architects — The four-story cracked-open terrain references natural rock formations and is poetically juxtaposed to the modern geometric lines of the building’s facade. – © MAD Architects

Upon scanning One River North, the interconnectedness between its indoor and outdoor layers can be immediately detected by how external plantings and materials elegantly flow into its interior. Its carved-out center which perhaps renders its architecture shape-shifting powerfully underscores this synergy even further. The four-story amenity space references natural rock formations with its design reminiscent of a slot canyon. The plaster, cave-like elements deeply contrast–though in a poetic manner–with the sleek geometric lines of the building’s massing.

One River North features rejuvenating greenery throughout all its levels. - © MAD Architects — One River North features rejuvenating greenery throughout all its levels. – © MAD Architects

The canyon-like vertical structure comprises over 13,000 sq. feet of “floating” terraces made up of outdoor seating arrangements, gardens, and water features that are connected with all the indoor amenities, allowing residents to make the most of them from multiple levels. Its outdoor staircase is meant to simulate the mountainous trails seen all around the state of Colorado.

The plantings spread throughout all the levels including foothills vegetation at the beginning of the canyon and pine trees on the rooftop. Natural references continue even inside the building’s apartments with rich wood details applied to the interior of some living quarters.

Natural references seep into the building's tranquil yet modern interior. - © MAD Architects — Natural references seep into the building’s tranquil yet modern interior. – © MAD Architects

The landscape design of the unique feature reflects the state’s natural conditions and plant life. It has been curated using resilient plant species, picked out after doing a wind and sun analysis, as the greenery will flourish and “micro-climates” will expand with time. The canyon climbs across One River North’s ruptured facade and culminates at the rooftop terrace sixteen stories above street level. There, an alpine-life-like zone features a pool with a waterfall, a spa, and a lavish garden with views of the Denver skyline enhancing the exquisite ambiance.

MAD Architects’ Denver gem has earned Fitwel certification in recognition of its commitment to promoting the physical and mental health of its residents. Awarded to less than 1,000 buildings worldwide, the certification reflects the project’s groundbreaking approach to mixed-used methods of building. The thoughtfully curated and deeply engaging three-dimensional architectural marvel fosters well-being, community, and, most of all, an inspiring integration of nature.