The “Vertical Canyon” residential building, designed by MAD Architects in Denver, USA, has recently been completed and is now undergoing vertical vegetation planting. It marks the third project by MAD in North America.
Denver, located in northeastern Colorado on the rolling plateau at the edge of the Rocky Mountains, is one of the United States’ most popular hiking destinations and a typical high-altitude city.
The “Vertical Canyon” is situated in the River North (RiNo) art district, a former industrial area within the city. Following renovation, RiNo has transformed from traditional warehouses and factories into a vibrant hub filled with galleries, design studios, restaurants, and bars, making it Denver’s most artistic and lively neighborhood.
This unique combination of nature, art, and urban life provides the perfect backdrop for the “Vertical Canyon.”
The building’s northwest facade, facing the Rocky Mountains, features a “crack” that splits open at the 10th floor, resembling a natural canyon formed by erosion. This bold yet smooth integration of the canyon-like form with the architectural volume creates a striking visual effect.
This “crack” design brings natural landforms into Denver and the RiNo community, injecting vitality and nature into urban spaces. It allows residents to enjoy the breathtaking natural landscape while experiencing a sense of vertical nature within the city.
MAD envisions an immersive living experience where residents can explore and stroll as if hiking through Colorado’s foothills and canyons.
Residents can access the building’s public amenities—including the gym, reception area, and outdoor garden—via the “canyon” pathway spanning floors 6 through 9.
The “crack” extends vertically to a rooftop terrace of approximately 630 square meters. Inspired by alpine terraces, this rooftop space includes a swimming pool, spa center, and outdoor garden, all offering stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and Denver’s skyline.
Public spaces and residential balconies within the “crack” are planted with drought-resistant landscaping inspired by Colorado’s diverse ecosystems. This design reflects the region’s natural conditions and unique plant communities, changing beautifully with the seasons.
The “Vertical Canyon” meets Denver’s demand for high-density urban housing while offering residents comfortable, natural outdoor spaces for socializing and relaxation. The project has earned Fitwel certification, a U.S. healthy building rating system, awarded to fewer than 1,000 buildings worldwide.
The lush public green spaces within the “canyon” echo the surrounding nature and provide residents with a welcoming environment for exploration and community interaction. The “Vertical Canyon” is designed not only as a residence but also as a space for growth and connection.
MAD aims to offer residents a free and open public community space where they can discover new lifestyle possibilities together.
Project Drawings
△ Model Diagram
△ General Layout Plan
△ 14th Floor Plan
△ 17th Floor Plan
△ Roof Plan
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Detailed Structural Drawing
△ Analysis Chart
Project Information
Type: Residential, Retail
Base Area: 2,620 square meters
Building Area: 31,836 square meters
Lead Partners: Ma Yansong, Party Masses, Yokosuke Hayano
Lead Vice Partners: Flora Lee, Dixon Lu
Design Team: Jon Kontuly, Jie Peng, Edwin Cho, Horace Hou, Qiu Yunfei, Evan Shaner, Shawna Meng Chenxiang
Owners: The Max Collaborative, Uplands Real Estate Partners, Zakhem Real Estate Group
Architectural Design: MAD Architecture Firm
Executive Architect, Landscape Design, Interior Design: Davis Partnership Architects
General Contractor: Saunders Construction
Structural Design: Jirsa Hedrick Structural Engineers
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering: ME Engineers
Civil Engineering Consultant: Kimley Horn and Associates, Inc.
Photography: Iwan Baan, Parrish Ruiz De Velasco and Vic Ryan, TAL+Baiyu
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