MAD Architecture, led by Ma Yansong, has revealed the design for the under-construction project ‘One River North’. This marks MAD’s fourth venture in the United States and their second residential development in the country.
Denver, located in northeastern Colorado, benefits from a rich natural environment. Colorado is one of the United States’ most popular hiking destinations. The city itself sits at an average altitude of roughly one mile, earning it the nickname “The Mile High City.” To the west, the expansive Rocky Mountains dominate the landscape, while the South Platte River, flowing through two major states, runs through Denver.
The ‘Vertical Canyon’ project is situated near the city center, within Denver’s River North (RiNo) Art District. This neighborhood is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, restaurants, and bars housed in repurposed warehouses and factories, making RiNo one of the city’s most dynamic and creative communities.
Taking advantage of the stunning natural surroundings as its urban backdrop, the ‘Vertical Canyon’ integrates Colorado’s diverse landscape elements—canyons, mountains, forests, streams, waterfalls—into the city’s fabric. This union symbolizes the dynamic interaction between urban innovation and the natural environment.
The ‘Vertical Canyon’ covers 2,620 square meters and features a 16-story building with 187 residential units. The façade facing northwest, inspired by the Rocky Mountains, is designed to appear as if it splits open like the Grand Canyon, extending across 10 floors.
The ‘cracks’ in the building’s design appear in public spaces and on balconies, which are adorned with drought-resistant landscaping. These features bring organic nature and vitality into the RiNo community and Denver’s skyline. They also offer residents a unique perspective—immersed in urban life while gazing toward the pristine distant mountains.
Starting from the “canyon” midpoint on the building’s waist, a hiking trail-like pathway is designed along the façade’s upper four floors. This path connects residents to public amenities within the building, such as the gym, reception area, and outdoor garden. This experience of ‘climbing’ in an urban environment cleverly echoes the act of hiking in the natural wilderness.
The vertical shading louvers on the façade not only provide shade but also soften the building’s visual mass. The rooftop terrace, approximately 630 square meters, features a swimming pool, spa center, and outdoor garden. The ground floor offers nearly 740 square meters of retail space.
Construction on ‘Vertical Canyon’ began in autumn 2021, with completion expected in 2023.
MAD is actively collaborating with property owners to refine project details.
▲ Construction site
Project Drawings
▲ General Layout & Ground Floor Plan
▲ Seventh Floor & Roof Plan
▲ Elevation View
▲ Section View
Project Information
Type: Residential, Retail
Base Area: 2,620 square meters
Building Area: 31,773 square meters
Building Height: 66 meters
Lead Partners: Ma Yansong, Party Masses, Yokosuke Hayano
Lead Vice Partners: Flora Lee, Dixon Lu
Design Team: Jon Kontuly, Edwin Cho, Horace Hou, Jie Peng, Evan Shaner, Qiu Yunfei, Alan Kim, Zeng Hao
Owners: The Max Collaborative; Uplands Real Estate Partners; Wynne Yasmer Real Estate; Zakhem Real Estate Group
Executive Architect, Landscape Design, Interior Design, Lighting Design: Davis Partnership Architects
Structural Design: Jirsa Hedrick Structural Engineers
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering: ME Engineers
Civil Engineering: Kimley Horn and Associates, Inc.
Architectural Exterior Consultant: Marx | Okubo Associates, Inc.
Energy Modeling: Group 14 Technologies
Acoustic Consultant: Geiler & Associates, LLC
General Contractor: Saunders Construction
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