MAD architects' cavernous tower has broken ground in denver, colorado

an organic tower in denver

MAD architects unveils the design of its ‘one river north’ in denver, colorado, its first residential rental project in north america. the revolutionary tower aims to redefine urban living and is located in denver’s vibrant river north district (RINO). one river north blurs the threshold between the built and natural environments, drawing from the rich colorado landscape to echo the experience of climbing mountainous terrain.

the 16-story building will include 187 for-lease residences and features 13,352 square feet of open-air amenity environments, including rippling water elements and a landscaped, trail-like walkway that traverses across four floors. additionally, a 6,813-square-foot rooftop terrace, featuring a pool, spa and garden framed by distant rocky mountain views, will seamlessly blend the natural beauty at home with the landscape just beyond. one river north will include 7,995 square feet of ground-floor retail space.

images courtesy of MAD architects

mad architects’ built landform

the most defining feature of the MAD architects-designed tower in denver is a 10-story landscaped rift. with this exterior element, the design team takes inspiration from colorado’s diverse landforms — it echoes the ascension from the foothills to the trail and canyon, to the summit of the rocky mountain peaks. this sculptural crevice opens up resident views and blends nature into the urban context.

the project has just broken ground and is expected to complete at the end of 2023. situated at 40th and blake streets on the northeast edge of RINO and near the 38th and blake light rail station, one river north anchors a new wave of taller buildings shaping a bold new vision for the creative district in denver.

surrounded by nature

kevin ratner, co-founder of the max collaborative comments: ‘one river north is the model for how we should be living, surrounding ourselves in the natural environment, bringing nature into our homes and creating authentic, biophilic experiences coupled with modern comforts and conveniences.

‘the nature-inspired design by mad architects was influenced by colorado’s legendary landforms and merges nature and architecture to inspire a well-balanced life. its glass façade is likewise ribbed with louvers that regulate sunlight and soften its visual presence, shaping a serene retreat in the sky.’

the tower echoes the ascension from the canyon to the summit of the rocky mountain peaks

ma yansong, MAD founder and principal partner continues: ‘if we regard modern cities as man-made landscape on the earth, we need to design canyons, woods, creeks, and waterfalls, transforming concrete forests into second nature.’

a 6,813-square-foot rooftop terrace, featuring a pool, spa and garden is framed by rocky mountain views
rippling water elements and a landscaped, trail-like walkway that traverses across four floors